The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Morning, Midsummer's Day

Cesare and Kathi

Morning started with a knock-knock-knock on Cesare's door.

Outside, waiting patiently, Kathi waited. She was all proper and nice, having chosen her best tunics because it was Midsummers after all. Her household tunic fell straight and there was a brightness in her eyes; definitely a contrast to the the time of day - which was still pre dawn gray. Her hands were folded on front of her and she bounced lightly on her heels.

"Good morning Cesare. I hope I didn't wake you, but our starts early, especially on a Midsummers. Especially if your liege is going to be in Council."

With a nod she turned and started to lead the way down the stairs.

"Now you have to undertand. We don't really get a Midsummer's holiday. At best we can take a rest a few days after, one at a time, though the Mouse often sneaks out with me. It is our duty to ensure that our Lord and ladies have a pleasant and satisfactory Midsummer's Day.

"It takes a mote of mind reading, sometimes. Trying to figure out whats needed before it is.

"Luckily our Young Master spends Midsummers in Bordertown, which means James, the Mouse and I, we help ma'am Cook and run errands for any of the other serving staff, because there's never enough hands to go around."

And that seems to be true. The moment the two passed beneath the gallery floor the stairs became crowded, with servants bustling up and down past them.

"Make way make way ... Khorall's whim ..."

"Need a hole, breakfast coming through!"

Kathi was actually quite deft, flattening against the curved wall to let a more important endeavor pass on by.

"Now there are two manners of activities that go on. First, if you are in service to one of the families or their retainers, your job is simple; to make it a good Midsummers.

"But if your Lord or Lady is in Court, its even harder. You cannot make your presence known. You cannot give any hint that you have heard or understood anything ... and above all you can never repeat anything until after the Heralds announce it. If they need food or drink, pen an parchment, a hankerchief, anything, you need to get it to them without disturbin' the proceedings.

"That's why when the Young Master is here, and in Court, it is the Mouse who seves him."

She paused at the entrance to the kitchen, looking in. It was a cacaphony, a chaos, and Ma'am cook didn't look happy at all.

"Not to mention we also have the household staff of our guests running through here.

"Now look closely. White and blue, that's Larsens. They'll always help you. And you can trust them. But being larsens, they can be pushed around by the other servants and they are nice to everyone. That's everyone.

"Grays, ja, Montague. Can't be trusted, because they'll do anything to survive. We've never seen one one year then come the next, and no one ever talks about what happened. The ones with the black slash, they belong to the Khorall. mean as a cold winter's night. The ones with a red bar, they are the Warlord's. They act like that allows them to act like their lordship.

"Blue, black, green and blue ... sky, mountain, valley, river .. those are Kierkegaard's. Don't try and get into any discussion fancier than it's a nice day, ja? They won't talk politics or social matters or even gossip. They are practical, they are always about the task at hand.

"Anything horsey is Amber of course, and they like treating folks as strangers.

"Black and silver is Allaine, because Allaine's always bring their Dayalans around. Now this is odd, however. The Young Heiress, she only brought a bodyguard and now she's got two others. Her friend an the scary one. She also never asks for anything. James tends to run her errands, because she sees nothing wrong with walking down to the kitchens herself. She's a strange one, that school girl."

She paused, her head tilting.

"Her and the one with the unicorn, they seem awful friendly now."

The servant girl took another breath,

"Now for rope. We can get that tomorrow when the shops open up again. In fact if you have some really od needs, its not uncommon for me to put on a bonnet and go shopping. The Young Master often has me get the strangest things."

Cesare

He awoke with the knock at the door. Surely it is still dark? Surely he went to bed only minutes before? But his inner body clock suggests that dawn is not far away. That'll teach him to go wandering at night, rather than getting his sleep. Still he has a good grasp of the layout of downstairs now which will reinforce as the days pass. He is already hoping there are not going to be too many days here.

As he gets ready, donning his surcoat, he remembers that it is Mid Summers, though he suspects that he is not going to be celebrating. He misses Darian, even Longtooth, and would have liked to have gone out and spent the day with them. But for now he is a servant and living a servant's life. And he'll need to take the brunt of that as Mikal and Dean will be in guarding mode. He can only be thankful that he at least gets to walk away from that once business is concluded here.

As he exits his room, he greets Kathi with a smile.

"Happy Mid Summers Kathi."

Then he listens as she explains their day, following her lead in dodging lots of folk all running around endlessly.

"I think the Mistress may require me to attend her today."

The more of them in the chamber the better and besides Mikal for certain will not want to leave to run errands. He focuses on Kathi's explanation of the livery, noting the noble name and likely personality of each group. He concludes that the best.. and the hardest.. thing to do will be to keep his mouth shut.

"Perhaps we could both go out to the shops tomorrow?"

It would be good to get some fresh air and see more of the place.. and he wonders if he can do a deal with Mikal for a little money so that he could buy Darian a Mid Summers gift.. and maybe Kathi to as a thank you.. and Romana. He is still wearing those great boots.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Morning, Midsummer's Day

Cesare and Kathi

"And a fair Midsummers to you ..."

The servant girl smiled, as if such a greeting was an unexpected surprise. Cesare's other words, however, get a furrowed brow.

"Your Young Miss at Council. You realize that in itself will be a happening, ja?"

She paused, in the busy corridor.

"The only folks who have to be a the council are the Khoralls or someone given rank to speak for a Khorall - if'n the Khorall is sick. Other members of the House may be invited ... and other members of the House well, while they are not invited they can't be turned away. The Young Lord was never invited and yet always went there.

"He said it was great entertainment.

"I think he just liked being with the Allaines."

Her nose wrinkled too.

"But the wives, they never show up. Last night the Dama was there because the feast was social, not for work and negotiations.

"So if your Young Miss shows up ... someone needs to tell her she can't be turned away."

She'd then continue on.

"And aye, all the shops will be open on the morrow. And shopping with someone will be a nice change of pace.

Cesare

"I'll try to let her know.. if we ever get away from all of this."

He looks in on the busy kitchen and Ma'am Cook parading her battleground.

"Shops tomorrow then.. something to look forward to.. meanwhile into the fray.."

He takes his first steps into the kitchen intending to report to Ma'am Cook.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Morning, Midsummer's Day

Cesare and Kathi

The next part was easy. So very easy. Without a Lord or Lady having sent them on their way, Ma'am cook just pointed to a pair of baskets which smelled of breads and sweat meats and also a set of bowls, towels and water pitcher.

"Get these up to the Great Hall ...

"I just know they won't even be civil enough to wash before seeing our Khorall!

"Barbarians. All of them."

Which, of course, gets Cesare and Kathi into the entry halls ... just in time to witness the arrival of ... everyone!

[OOC Want me to move to the other thread?]

You certainly can ... this was in case you had any last private concerns

OK thanks!

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi

Especially with the kerfluffle at the court entrance, the delivery of their wares was very easy to do; to set the breads and drink upon the high tables without drawing attention, for all attention was elsewhere.

With a nod, Kathi showed Cesare how to step straight back into the background, to take shelter in the gallery columns and the quiet arcade they made.

And to also catch the summons of a silent wave, especially from a Lady of Attera.

"This way, Cesare ..."

A touch on his shoulder, so light, a whisper, and a step away to lead them to Bekkah, and then through one of the sheltered doorways into the servant's corridors.

There she folded her hands behind her and bowed her head to the Priestess.

"How may we help you, Lady Yurisdotter?"

Bekkah

She was grateful that Kathi had noticed her signal.

[ooc: Assuming they were in a place where nobody else could see them]

"I am not sure. Give me a moment." she said taking out the note Dazi had given her. She unfolded it and read it quickly before sticking it back in her pocket.

She read the note passively, nothing showing on her face. Finally, she looked up at the pair.

"While my sister is more than a bit wordy and even more lofty in her praise and expectations, it seems we need to make all haste to Lord Trey's chambers. I suspect that there will be some that would rather we did not make the attempt. I would prefer to speak to those we'd meet in hopes of preventing bloodshed and I would ask you not to kill anyone if it can be helped."

She peered at them both to see their reactions then asked them a question.

"Do you know where his quarters are?"

Cesare

He decides that keeping up the servant façade is probably wise as there are other ears.. often servant's ears.. everywhere.

"We would be honoured to accompany you Lady Yurisdotter. I'm sure Kathi will know the way. But if you think there may be trouble, would you like me to ask one of Lady Kadri's squires to attend you? I am sure my Mistress would want that if she were here."

He bows.

Bekkah

She endured the way they spoke to her. She could not wait to get back to being simply Bekkah again. But in this case, it was most important that others saw her as a Lady of Attera, nothing less.

"Perhaps if you deem it necessary. I think the less we are noticed, the more likely we are to succeed."

Cesare

So Bekkah wants to do this 'quietly'. Probably better then that he doesn't re-enter the Great Hall to get the Squire, especially as Cesare isn't sure how welcome he would be. He knows Mikal will not leave Kadri.

"As you wish Lady Yurisdotter. Kathi and I will be honoured to escort you."

He nods to Kathi and indicates she should lead the way. He moves in behind Bekkah to cover the rear.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi

"Me? Kill anybody?"

Kathi takes a step back and just looks at Bekkah, as if she could not believe the words that had come from the Atterran's mouth. A hand rises to th center of her chest as she shakes her head back and forth vehemently.

"I don't know what castles you have been in, your Ladyship, but I assure you me and the Mouse and even James are good folks. We'd never hurt anyone, we are good servants and retainers, we'd never do anything to bring trouble to the Young Master!"

At the last she'd draw herself up, level Bekkah a steady look and just shake out her skirts.

"Never!

"Never ever!"

With a toss of her head and a sure step she'd head down one of the corridors. She'd start quiet,keeping to herself, especially as they wound around the main hall. They'd pass several small anterooms, ones of form and fittings familiar to Cesare. Similar to Dominic's suite, it seems all of the keep towers are founded similarly - the small antechamber that sheltered the arched stair entrance; stairs going up into the tower but also continuing down to the basement.

The other fact that Cesare would note, especially after they past Dominic's stairs, was that they were working deeper into the keep, towards what must be its farthest rampart.

Then she'd relax a bit, her voice quiet.

"Now the lord Seneschal, he don't like folks bothering Lord Tray. Because of his illness and all. He travels a lot for a Seneschal, but he's here today, but he's also in Court today, so he'll be hard to interrupt.

"He's also courtin' one of the ladies in the Cathedral; she came from one of the manors up the road to the lake, and he was right influential towards getting Lady Jasmine to take her in.

"Though council and courting don't stop him from ..."

Turning a last corner, they had reached the base of the farthest tower. Again, the small chamber with stairs going up and down. Except this time, standing on each side of the entryway are two young me; one in the livery of the Korie Household, the other in the red and gold of Lord Rames.

They'd look just as shocked, at being interrupted at this unexpected hour - breakfast had passed, it wasn't lunchtime and everyone was supposed to be at or tending to the Midsummer's Council.

Of the two, it was the squire who looked a little worried, not recognizing bekkah, but perhaps recognizing what she was.

" ... making sure there's a watch to make sure Lord Tray remains undisturbed."

It wasn't the Squire, but the other guard who spoke, looking to both Kathi and Cesare, recognizing their garb then addressing the servant girl.

"Hey lassie, you know you are in the wrong part of the Castle. Best you be going back to the halls where you belong."

Bakkah

She listened to Kathi's indignation, with the same stoic look she often gave people who protested too much.

"Yes, of course. You have my humblest apologies." she said without the slightest hint of sarcasm to her voice.

She let Kathi talk as she led them deep within the castle.

Her expression never changed, as she saw the two men. He was most likely not talking to her but to Kathi, but she couldn't pass up the opportunity.

What he got was Lady Bekkah Yurisdotter at her most Imperial. She strode towards him like a storm.

"And who is it that taught you to address a Lady in such a manner?" she said fire in her eyes but her voice was eerily calm.

Cesare

Bringing up the rear he moves to the side of Bekkah just a respectable half pace behind.. and smothers a smile. He is betting that neither of these men have ever come across a Lady of Attera as determined as Bekkah.

This should be interesting.

He stands ready though to step swiftly in front of Bekkah should the need arise.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi

"Begging your pardon, Missus ..."

The Korie Hose Guard drew himself up, tall and straight, while his Squire companion took a half step back.

"But she ain't rightly a Lady. She just a servant girl; a servant girl in the wrong part of our Khorall's keep."

He nodded once, as if the sharp motion made the words true.

Bekkah

And those words brought Bekkah's eyes to bore into the man as she stepped closer to him, very close.

"Do you really believe that?" she began as soft as a whisper, her eyes never blinking.

"Do you deny my title? I say this before the light of my Lady. I am a Lady of Attera. I am sworn to heal all in need." Her voice had taken on more of an edge.

As she moved even closer.

"Do you name me a liar? Will you bar me from my sword duty, the duty I swore to undertake in service to my Goddess? Do you bar my Goddess from entering this room?" and those icy blue eyes seemed to sparkle as she faced the man unwavering in her belief in her Goddess.

Cesare

As a servant he can't rightly intervene.. and a servant would definitely take a back seat in his opinion and try to be inconspicuous. So he watches.. and waits.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi

His color slowly fading, the Korie Guard lets his attention waver, just a bit, just enough to cast a glance over to his companion.

"Why aren't you saying anything, the Hospice is supposed to be under the Cathedral."

The young Rames squire simply paled.

"But I'm not a Knight and ... and ... and this is the High Tarn Priestess! I don't know who she's supposed to obey and Sir Kevin Magesbane didn't come to Council this year!"

That would be a name that Bekkah would recognize. And one that might raise a brow. Sir Kevin was the ranking Knight in Talesan's Village and thus the ranking Knight upon the Mainland, despite what the Kories might believe. However, knowing Sir Kevin, he'd never be one to order a priestess about; he was usually doing Knightly things like helping one of the farmers patch a roof, filling in as a hand on a fishing boat when one of the regular crew was sick or helping Barlibert find one of his lost cows. Barlibert had a marriageable daughter ...

... and Barlibert lost a lot of cows.

There must have been an important reason to keep him from accompanying the Larsens to the yearly council.

"Look. If the Lady wants to see Lord Tray ... the Lady will see Lord Tray. Are you going to stop her?

"Are you going to touch her?"

The Korie guard just glowered, before he answered.

"Then you go with them."

And so, Lady Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi were escorted up the stairs. It was a familiar route, as if the towers had all been built in a similar manner. The stairs rising up, passing by the floors where the Tower's lord would house their guests. At the top was the entrance to a siting room. And in this case, where Dominic had furniture for his visitors, this Korie lord only had book cases.

The door to the bedroom was thrown open, and from it light streamed through,though it was very quiet. Perhaps only the sound of pages being turned could be heard, and then only by those with the sharpest ears.

The squire would announce.

"You have guests, Lord Tray."

In the room, sitting on the bed, was a young man, perhaps in his mid twenties. There was only a slight family resemblance to the Dominic they all knew, perhaps they shared their Mother's eyes. He looked thin, pale, and every so often the hand that turned the pages of his book shook. Once, so bad he had t still it with his other hand. His blankets were drawn up all about him, and yet he still looked cold even if it was Midsummers.

A half finished meal was on a small table; a wooden cup of cider, warm bread and some meat.

His hair, it was pre-maturely gray.

"Forgive me.

"They rarely let me have have guests."

The folded the book closed. his words were whispered, as if he was almost out of breath. With effort, he leaned forward, looking out to the sitting room were their escort waited.

"Only Jacob? I suspect that means you aren't supposed to be here and Merry is going to find the Lady Jasmine.

"You I know. Kathi, correct? "

He then looked to the Rhoni and Priestess.

"You two I don't."

"Are you my brother's Midsummer's gift?"

Bekkah

She nodded as they were led up.

Once inside, she turned to the squire.

"Leave us. Make sure none enter this chamber." she said making it quite clearly a command.

She then turned to Tray and raised an eyebrow as she came close.

"My name is Bekkah Yurisdotter, Lady of Attera. And as for your other question, it may depend on which brother you mean. And does he make a habit of bringing you a priestess as a gift?" she said this last with just a slight amount of indignation.

"Well I am here now, and I don't have time to play. Let me look at you." she said laying him on his back as she pulled back the covers. She examined eyes, mouth, feeling his chest.

A frown crossed her pretty face and she looked again into his eyes.

"Tell me Lord Tray. Do you have any idea who is poisoning you? It seems someone wants you alive, but not well."

She looked around the room.

"Perhaps, something in the room?" she said looking around for any plants. She did not expect to see any 'puffers' they were hardly something to look at.

Cesare

From behind Bekkah, Cesare's eyes twinkle and he nods in response to the last question. Before speaking though, he moves back to see that 'Jacob' is obeying the Lady's command. If not he will help to usher him out of the room.

His eyes are already looking for a way to secure the door.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi

The Squire of Rames looks caught, frowning once, frowning twice. For the poor lad there is no winning choice, only various levels of loss.

"It is fine Jacob. What's the worst that could happen? I might be assaulted by a bout of rogue healing."

Lord Tray spoke up, tipping the balance. When a Korie speaks, he is bound to listen. The Squire collects himself and takes his leave, shutting the door solidly behind him. thee is, of course, a latch on this side, but no lock.

One does not let a sick person accidentally lock his healers out.

With a long slow breath Tray sinks back down into the pillows.

"Never a priestess ... but usually someone that he considers interesting. Lady Jasmine says such isn't good for my heart, but it does get tiring seeing the same folks day after day. And that would be Dommy. I take it you have met him?"

"Poison? No I've been weak since I was a child. And I do not know who would want me hurt. Marcus is heir, I have no designs or desire for it, its not like I get out and public - to get on anyone's wrong side. The only way I'd ever become an issue is if both my father and Marcus were to have an unfortunate end and Marcus to not have an heir ready to take over the keep."

He then frowns - not an unfriendly like frown, but a studious one.

"Lady Bekkah Yurisdotter. You are not from Talantal. Didn't you show up on the roles of the Talesan's Village cathedral?"

Weakly, her offered the room's contents to Bekkah's survey with a sweep of one's hand.

"All I have here are books my Lady.

"And my breakfast. A loaf of bread by Ma'am Cook. Now she hates everyone, or so I've been told. But she doesn't hate me specifically. Cool apple cider from the nearby orchards and some cheese from the farms down westerly ways."

Bekkah

"I have been to many places. The nature of my training and all." she said as she looked at him, ignoring the part of the Talesan Village Cathedral's roles. She had no real knowledge of such things and she had even less desire to know.

She considered what he said, then smiled to herself.

"Being stuck in bed, must be quite boring. I suppose books are your only real source of entertainment. Who provides you with so many books?"

She said picking up the book he had been reading. She examined the title, then moved away from the bed and held the book by the cover, turning it upside down, then holding it at arm's length, she shook it vigorously.

Cesare

Looking around he evaluates the placing of any item of furniture as providing a delay and a warning of anyone breaking in. Perhaps a chair to preventing a handle being depressed?

Failing that he will stay by the door himself and listen.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi

Coughing a bit, Lord Tray replies, his wordss slightly amused.

"Dommy of course. It's how you can keep track of him, by what books he sends. And if the deliveries slow up, that's when you know he's gotten into some mischief."

The Korie lordling tapped the book he was reading.

"A book of mountain recipes. This means he was in some small village and desperate for any book to send, and since its all variations of mutton, he was up Kierkegaard way."

Tray watched curiously as Bekkah shook the books, seeing not even dust fall from the pages. He took a thoughtful sip from his rich, dark cider.

"Sometimes I ask Dommy's servants to go fetch one for me. I learned not to ask the little lass - she keeps coming back with picture stories."

For Cesare's searching while there are no chairs that are sized to proper jam the door there is at least one that is large, well padded and sturdy - the type an officious type person might use when visiting. It would be a chore to drag it in front of the door, but once there it would be a solid barrier - and a comfortable rest.

"And then she comes back every night for a week so I'll read it to her.

"Dommy says I'm soft in both head and heart."

Cesare

He evaluates the pros and cons of moving the chair, basically noise versus effectiveness - and finds noise wins out. He leaves the chair where it is and decides instead to go and help Bekkah make more use of her time here, limited though it might be.

He renters the bedroom.

"My Lord, we are hear at your brother's request. He is concerned for you and asked that we see you, in particular the Lady Bekkah who is renowned for her healing skills. Might she examine you my Lord? It was your brother's wish."

He is ready to assist by moving things out of the way, particularly the cider which he wants to examine more closely.

Bekkah

She sniffed at the book and saw not even a mote of dust float down from the book.

*I will find it.* she thought.

She put the book down, composed as always as if she hadn't just accosted an innocent book.

Watching him, she thought about the cheese and the meat but could not see how they could be easily tainted then she looked at the cup he had just sipped from and knew.

"Lord Tray, forgive me." she said taking the cup from his hand.

She sniffed at it, then took a tentative taste. Then she poured it out in a corner and inspected the cup.

"I think Lord Tray that you will recover your strength well enough if you stop drinking this. Where does it come from?"

"Never mind, you can tell me once we are gone from here. If someone is willing to poison you for years, they're probably willing to kill you to keep the truth hidden."

She moved next to the bed and laid a hand on his head pushing him back. Then she pulled the sheet to uncover his chest.

"Cesare, make sure nobody interrupts me. What I start, I need to finish."

She placed both hands on his chest.

"My Lady, your humble servant asks for your blessing yet again."

As she spoke, a glow seemed to begin surrounding her.

"This soul is in need of your grace this day." she said as the glow surrounded her more fully.

Cesare had probably seen her heal before, maybe even been the recipient of it. He'd seen the glow surround her before. This time though the glow grew brighter and it turned from the yellowish tint it had started at to a brighter white until it was almost too bright to look at.

Finally, the light seemed to flow from all around her down through her hands and into Tray's body. It surrounded him with the same brilliance before seeming to settle into him.

When she felt the last of the power leave her body, she removed her hands and looked down upon the young lord.

Cesare

He smiles as Bekkah tests the cider, it would seem that they are both thinking along the same lines.

He nods as Bekkah requests that no-one interrupts, even guiding Kathi to the doorway to give Bekkah some space. He reassures her with a whisper "Bekkah is a great healer.. and this is one reason why we are here."

Then he stands in the doorway so that he can watch both rooms and gets ready to stand and at least delay any intruders but as the healing progresses he watches the outer room more, mainly because the light hurts his eyes.

He really hopes this works. He cannot imagine what a torture it must be to be confined to this one room, not to wander the countryside, to see life all around you.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi and Tray


It was not Tray who answered Bekkah's question, but Dominic's quiet servant. Kathi ducked her head and nodded, but the more she spoke, the more her words become darker - as if they lead someplace shadowy she had never thought or conceived.

"The cider? The orchards are east of her, almost to the Forest, almost to the lands of Montague. The Lord Seneschal has his manor out that-a-way ..."

The dark brown cider confirmed Bekkah's fears. It was the dab of taste, something a city born person would not notice, a flat, almost lavender hint of flavor trying to be hidden beneath spicy cinnamon.

"The Lord Seneschal, who arranged the marriage with the Heir and all ...

"The Lord Seneschal who is charged with the keeping of Lord Tray's welfare."

It was the taste of puffers, whose spores are the same brown color as apple cider. A wasting disease, one that can cripple but not kill - though it does make the patient much more vulnerable to other, more common sicknesses.

Perhaps being locked in the tower was not necessarily a bad thing, perhaps, even, an unplanned for fortunate thing.

"I don't understand ..."

Tray spoke up, looking between Bekkah, the cup of cider, and Kathi. He also tried to sit up much straighter.

"I'm not the heir; I dearly love my Brother and would not stand in his way and he knows that. I am much more skilled at managing the household affairs - the accountings, writing the ledgers and history, I had a good relationship with the Cathedral ...it makes no sense ..."

It was Kathi who spoke up. Then.

"Begging your pardon Lord Tray, but you just described the Lord Seneschal's responsibilities.

"And everyone who serves in the keep knows how much he enjoys his rightful rank, privileges and ....

" ... luxurrrrrrrrrrrr ..."

The servant's words, however, fell away to be replaced with a shocked and awestruck,

" ... cor!"

For the room was suddenly awash with light, warm as the summer's sun, bright as noon,like dandelion puffs suddenly filling the air in a joyous, kind whirlwind. Bekkah's prayer was answered, the light splashing not just through the room, but out the windows and arrow slots, beneath and around the jambs and heads of the doors.

There was also a harsh banging on the outermost door, the one guarded by Cesare.

"In the Name of Lord Rames the Protecter let us ...."

But after the splash of divine light their demands suddenly changed.

" ... uhm ... can ... we .. ah ... please come in?"

From the bed there came a simple sound - deep and soft, as Lord Tray Korie took in a breath - a long one, a sure one, one that filled his lungs and didn't leave him wanting still.

"Danks ..."

He whispered.

"Thank you."

He translated.

Cesare

"Just a moment Sirs.. I will ask Lord Trey if he will extend his permission."

Said is a humble manner of a servant but the grin that Cesare is wearing is anything but humble.

He returns to the main room.

"Lord Trey.. are you well enough to receive?"

Bekkah

She had been expecting a brightness to follow her plea if it was answered, but even the Lady Bekkah Yurisdotter was surprised by the magnitude. To her it was a sure sign from her Lady that she was acting as her Lady desired. She felt humbled.

When the light faded, she felt a joy in her soul that filled her. She knew she'd have to work hard to replace that magic for the next time, but it was worth it. It was worth 10 times the amount of work she had done to gain it. And it would be something she'd do with a smile, remembering this moment.

She smiled down at the young lord who already looked markedly better. She then gave Kathi a nod and s smile as well. The change in tone from those on the other side of the door made her smile.

"Kathi, your insight is excellent and I believe you have discovered the answer to keeping good Lord Tray here from relapsing."

She turned her attention back to Tray.

"My Lord, would you feel well enough to get yourself dressed. I was thinking that instead of leaving, we might instead visit the current session of court. If I am not mistaken, I would think that many there would like to see you."

*And some that most definitely would not.* she thought with a smile that still made her look beautiful.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi and Tray

Tray reached up and rubbed his nose and then tapped his or head twice. He considered,once, and then his eyes they did go a little wide at Bekkah's inscrutable smile. He looked about, as if to try and identify what mad her look so wonderful, beyond being a simple nice person and then shook his head.

"I would definitely consider that My Kind Lady ...

"Except I may have to, at this moment decline."

He looked back upon the others, the fall if his hair hiding one eye.

"Because my room is currently full of guests and I am not dressed for court."

He made a dismissive motion with his hands, and waited until Kathi ushered everyone out of the noble's bedroom and shut the door behind her. For the guests there was now sounds behind two doors, the outer martial, the inner, domestic.

After a bit the inner door opens.

"There. Now I am ready for council."

Lord Tray Korie was dressed much more properly, in a very dark gray overtunic over one of white, the sharp contrast in color a bright dash at cuffs,hems and key cut collar. Atop both he wore a Rich blue surcoat with bore the white Talantal laurel, bound tight around his waist with a wide black belt.

His pace was quieter than normal, and one might even guess he was going barefoot, a fact conformed a bit sheepishly.

"I haven't worn my boots in years; I'd hate to arrive and fall off my heels. Jasmine would panic and think I've broken every bone in my body and it'd two weeks to get her to assign Marcy and Darcy elsewhere.

"I think Darcy has a crush on me.

"Or is it Marcy ..."

The lord nods to Cesare,

"If you would open the door, I'd be appreciative."

Kathi fell into a proper place, two paces behind the Korie lord. When the door opened they were faced with a crowded gathering in the hall. Two Squires, a Knight and what only could be a worried initiate of Attera.

Tray simply smiled.

"I am very appreciative of your concern for my well being. But it being Midsummers, please, I remove you from your tasks today - go, enjoy the holiday. I shall be fine. Kathi shall tend to my needs, is a dependable servant and her Lord is absent. This gentleman will introduce me to my new sister-in-law.

"I can still can not believe it ... how many hearts across the mainland broke at the news, I wonder?

"And I am in the company of the fair Lady of the Fields, Bekkah Yurisdotter. You have heard of her, haven't you? i could be under no better care."

He'd offer his arm to the Priestess.

"My Lady, may I escort you to Council? And as we walk, you must tell me how my Brother came to be betrothed ... and are the rumors true, your Sister is here and she rides a Unicorn. I have once or twice seen a white one from my window,but never a black."








OOC note: Feel free to post any conversation you wish between here and council!

Cesare

He is very pleased to have been here to have witnessed this, even more so when he opens the door to a number of concerned and then surprised faces. It would seem that the 'scamp' trait, though maybe not yet fully developed here, certainly runs in the family.

He stays by the door initially, wanting to be sure there is no opposition to the Lord leaving his chamber, good-willed or otherwise, before he will assume his servants role again.

Today is a good day.

Bekkah

She gave him a genuine smile when he came from his room.

"I do believe that getting out of bed, has done wonders for you my lord." she said with an impish smile.

She gladly slipped her arm in his as they proceeded to the council chambers.

"Of your brother and Kadri, I am not certain how it happened to tell the truth. They both teased and parried. I almost think they dared the other into doing it until it was done. They do make quite a pair. I think they will both enjoy the challenge of keeping the other in line."

"Ahh, my dear sister. It is definitely true. The unicorn that is. Perhaps I am biased, but she impresses me more than the unicorn. She is certainly no longer the little girl I sat on my knee and read stories to. She is quite a force. If I were the wagering sort, I'd put coin down that the council meeting did not go well for those who would oppose my sister."

"Some say that we are a stubborn lot. I, of course, have no notion of what they speak." she said with that disarming smile.

Cesare

There is an interceptible snort to Bekkah's last remark.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi and Tray

The walk is quiet, and as they walk they gain - at a respectable distance, a certain entourage. Of course it starts with the Squires and Knights and guards that were in the small ante-hall at the top of the stairs, but eventually more guards and servants and even a few ladies in waiting, at the sight of the reclusive Lord.

That he is accompanied by a Rhoni guardsman ... and the protective aura of one of Lady Attera's - it does keep most silent and at bay.

"I suppose it is something he would prefer over an arranged marriage ..."

Lord Tray finally concluded. He took his time, for while his body was now whole his sense of balance and stability to make a correct pace was more than a little rusty.

"I dare say it will be a while before I will be able to dance, I think. Not that I was ever one for the grand ballroom. I did preferred the balconies and the Gallery gardens.

"And I suspect this marriage thing is something Dommy has not quite thought all the way through. Which is why it is quite enjoyable to follow his path across the world, if it only be by bookseller. His misadventures always have this tendency to unravel very spectacularly, though he never seems to ever let it slow him down.

"Though your sister's path ...."

He'd consider that for a long set of heartbeats.

"That we only know by your presence here, which can only mean you are running ahead of the merchanter news speakers. Should we be expecting to hear all manner of tales drifting down the Highland Path in the next few weeks?

"And I would never call a lady stubborn.

"More like very comfortable in one's place and standing, ja?"

He'd smile.

"And yes, someone had to teach Dommy how to turn a phrase. Though it is a certainly case where the student has far outstripped the teacher."

He'd then lean close to Bekkah and whisper, nodding to Cesare.

"Is he always this quiet?"

[OOC Totally missed this, apologies Wolf.]

Cesare

He has sharp ears and decides to answer for himself. The young Lord deserves to have a grand day today and Cesare would like to see that happen.

"Usually I only say something when there is something important to say.. but I have my moments."

He glances at Kathi with a grin.

"And my main concern today my Lord is your welfare as I'm determined not to see Lady Bekkah's work undone. However I am happy to converse as this day is truly yours and I would wish it to be a good one."

He smiles at the young Lord.

"And to answer your other question, yes I think you might expect to hear tales following in our wake - not all of it true - but much of the truth is unbelievable in itself. Daxia has a nose for trouble and like her sister a heart too big not to try to right a wrong, to make things better. Better for some means worse for others though and so it is not an easy road. However, I find myself drawn to it."

He shrugs helplessly.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi

"No wonder my brother chose the Dayallan and her companions. Trouble follows him like a familiar shadow. And yet ... "

Taking a step away from the balcony rail, the lordling starts his escort of the Lady Bekkah to find her wayward initiate.

" ... his servants are the only people in this keep I would trust."

Behind the trio Kathi simply ducks her head, following a respectful three paces back.

The trip from the keep is somewhat eventful; but only because they seem to be following in some manner of wake - the wake of a household thundering down the rings, to leave Talantal in the fastest and most direct manner possible.

"Montague is leaving council?"

"Cor ... like they's got a fire behind them ...."

"Or they just remembered they left the stewpot simmering at home."

That was the chatter among the townsfolk as Bekkah and Cesare made their way through the fifth ring. However, such matters were obscured by the nature of the day - it was midsummer's and the streets were crowded and folks seemed much taken by their own celebrations. The crowds got thicker when a tavern was passed - folks crowding in, laughing on their way out ... each with their own minstrel or two and lady's Mercy for the taverns that clustered at the ring gates, where frivolity plus a modicum of alcohol erupted into contests of which set of tavern patrons could sing the loudest.

The main road through Talantal was decorated, of course, with flowers and sheaves of wheat. Passage from one ring to another was easy; this was Midsummers and the gates were thrown open and the portculli raised.

"Is that ...

"No it can't be ...

"But he's wearing the armory ...

"Do you think he chased the Montagues away?"

For once it was not bekkah who attracted the commoners attention - but of her companion and escort. Tray stayed mostly quiet on the way down - as if simply the walk, being out under the sun, seeing something other than four walls and a narrow window was more than enough for him this day.

"I wonder if they realize just how wonderful their days are ...."

That quiet whisper was the Korie Lord's observation as they walked down the path towards the city's outermost and most poor neighborhood.

Indeed the nature of the celebrations changed as they got farther and farther from the keep. From flamboyant and fancy to simple and earthy - the music changing from ballads and promenading pavanes to reels and country bransles. Tray also had another question.

"Why did the dark haired Dayalan want to bolt down here?"

Until, finally, they pass through the last gate, into the open square at the crossroads, where the bright music poured out of one particularly worn tavern.

The scene in front of the tavern is odd to say the least. There ism of course, music and four stone being played. barmaids rush in and out keeping the crowd gathered refreshed - and it is the fact that there is a crowd that is interesting - and not just crowd, but a very organic an shifting very loosely defined line. At the end is a very tired looking Darcy - or perhaps Marcy - in rumpled creams and whites, bandaging and examining, one after another, taking a breath and straining to cast even the simplest of healing spells.

Marcy sits on crate, being offered water, beer, wine, meat and bread and cheeses, looking to her twin worrisomely, knowing that it would be her turn next ...

While in a very unladylike sprawl, sitting up, legs straight out, leaning against a bulky crate, Romana ... sleeps. Her tunic is stained in many shades of sepia and crimson - though she seems whole and unhurt - and the way her chin nods upon her chest betrays that it is exhaustion that has claimed her and not laziness or too much to drink or eat.

A pair of children are wrapping her in bandages.

"Help the pretty monster lady get better!"

Spying the ... nobles a rather ... substantial ... woman, perhaps the barkeep's wife, walks right up to Bekkah and tray. One hand is a fist on herhips and the other holds a ladle, which she waves at Bekkah, Tray and Cesare.

"Like I told the other fancy priestess, don't you dare yell at her or try and drag her back up to the Keep. All your fancifullness. Bah! Why is it the one who finally treats us right is a monster tossed out into the garbage ring, eh? Well guess what. You can't have her. Or them. They's ours."

Bekkah

She felt herself humming to tunes she knew and her smile brightened as they passed each tavern. She loved these kinds of celebrations. If the Lord Tray had been healthier, she would have dragged him inside more than a couple of them for a dance. How she loved to dance.

Finally though they found Romana and the other two and she both smiled and winced then smiled again. She would bet any amount that when Romana awoke, she would tell her of the joy of healing. She could picture Romana's smile and words as she helped a child, especially a child.

When the innkeeper's wife approached her, Bekkah simply nodded and smiled.

"Please lower your weapon good mistress. You take my presence here wrong. This exhausted girl", she indicated Romana. "is not only my initiate sent here to help, but also a dear friend. I have not come to take them away, in fact I have come to help them. There is nothing I like better than to share my Lady's grace with the true people of the land."

She considered restoring Romana's energy, but she decided to let her sleep.

"Lord Tray, I hope you do not mind. It is my calling and my life." She would ask Cesare to escort the lord back safely if he could not stay.

"Now good mistress. Show me to those most in need.

Cesare

He too had been quiet on the journey down, enjoying the sights and more importantly enjoying watching Lord Tray. Another wrong righted. It is a good feeling.

However when they get to the square and find Romana asleep, he smiles and finds his voice again as he has something to say. He steps up to stand beside Romana, not too close that he might risk waking her.

"She is no monster. She is one of the bravest people I have ever met. And she is my friend too."

He nods to Bekkah.

He is thinking back to the battlefield when Romana put her life on the line to save them all.. and he wonders if his father ever thought that in saving her as a child that day, she might return that favour years later to his son. Life is indeed strange and the tides of fate will often revisit the shoreline.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi and Tray

"Show you to the one who is in most need?"

The barkeep's wife leans forward,tapping the ladle in the palm of her hand, giving Bekkah Yurisdotter a narrowed eyed look.

"You ain't from around these parts, are you.

"Nin.

"Don't recognize you."

Falling back on her heels the large woman nodded.

"I figure thats a good thing, all said and told. So the white haired ... lady, she's your student? You must be crazier than she is. This way, this way ..."

She'd escort Bekkah to the place where Marcy and Darcy were holding their own little court. Though she would spare a glance over her shoulder to the abandoned escort. She'd look between the two, once and then twice, and whisper,

" .... couldn't be."

The escort, however, would just smile and nod, letting Lady Bekkah be taken away. Tray dusted off his tunics and did not step away. Instead he looked to Cesare. And to Kathi.

"If she thinks I'm going home, after being in the same room for so long, then the matron here might well be correct.

"I'm tired of cider.

"I think I'll have a beer. Kathi, can you find us three chairs out here in the sun? And corner us a barmaid.

"Yes, I said three.

"It is midsummer's. One is for you."

With a surprised look on her face the servant girl nods and bustles off ... but this is indeed her milieu. She returns quickly, with two chairs herself, a barmaid with a handfull if big crockery mugs and a lad - probably a brother - with the last chair and a crate to serve as a table.

Tray just sat himself down and held the first offered mug in his hands. He'd raise it in a silent toast before addressing both Cesare and Kathi. He looked across to where Lady Bekkah was starting to work.

"She doesn't look like a monster ..."

It was a simple observation.

"I don't think I could ever ask for a better midsummer's gift, all things considered.

"Cesare ... Kathi ... what would make this a good midsummers for you?"

As the two talked, the monster lady rolled over a bit, causing a scattering of the children. They quickly swarmed again. For Bekkah, Macy and Darcy it was work, per se. The two young girls were certainly confused, though they didn't speak at first. For the most part there was no time - there were so many ills. Happily, now, most were almost mundane; bangs and cuts and scrapes - kitchen accidents, a few very ashamed black eyes, broken noses and split lips resulting from high spirits and a little too much to drink. Then, of course, there was the fellow who almost won the walk the tile roof ridge beam bet and the the girl he fell on when he went through the roof.

"Lady Bekkah ..."

One of the initiates finally looked up. Marcy, probably.

"We were... we were always taught that things are the way they are ... and that ... they were nightmares to be hated.

"How can this be?"

They'd look back to where Romana was beginning to stir.

"And if our teachers are wrong about her ...

"What else are they wrong about?"

As if she somehow knew she was being talked about, Romana finally sat up a bit. She swayed, this way and that, her arms still outstretched from the children's bandages.

"Romanas all woozies ...."

The reaction was quick.

"She's awake!

"Pretty monster lady!

"I banged my arm on a cart!

"I tripped and fell and my knees hurt?

"You got pointed ears! Was your mother a horse?"

"Me first! I'm all sneeeeeaaaahchooo!"

Romana disappeared beneath a gaggle of younger patients. Which was probably a good thing; a short rest did not restore much strength - which was betrayed by the dark circles beneath her eyes the press of her teeth on her lower lip and there was something else, the way the young woman would tremble a bit - as if she were the scared one. That said she took a deep breath, she squeaked and eeeked and made sure she didn't mind cleaning and bandaging a scraped elbow with the patient on her lap.

"However ..."

Darcy - it had to be Darcy - snorted.

"A lady should be more elegant."

Cesare

He takes a seat and a beer, though not necessarily in that order and raises his mug in thanks and in toast to Lord Trey.

"Your health my Lord."

There is a distinct twinkle in his eye as if he is sharing a private joke, which of course he is.

"Actually, this is a pretty good Midsummers already. Things that would make it better.. having my woman here.. and being able to give her a Midsummers gift."

And that is probably the first time he has ever formally qualified his relationship with Darian.. and he quite likes the sound of it.

"Is there anything else you would like to do or see my Lord?"

He leans back, watching Romana wake and get swarmed by small children.. and smiles.

Bekkah

She let the matron lead her, saying nothing for now. She'd heard how the priestesses had treated these people so nothing she said would do any good. She'd simply do what she did best. Help those in need with her Lady's graces.

"It looks like you've done wonderful work here this day", she said to the twins when she was led to them.

"I think we've all been taught things that are right in context, wrong in others. Her land does have monsters, horrors you would run from. But then again so does our own. We have good people and very bad people here like all lands. To know the truth of a land, visit the people like these good folk and you will see the truth."

She watched Romana awaken and be swarmed by children and she laughed.

"Perhaps. There is a time for elegance I suppose. Amongst Lords perhaps as they almost seem to require it to even acknowledge you. But amongst real people. No elegance is not needed. Romana has the right of it. Have fun. Enjoy your work and let our Lady's grace show the world your joy."

"Now, who needs my help. I did not come down here to simply tell you two what you've already learned this day."

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy, Romana and Tray

"And yours. Though traveling with two of the Lady's it would be the last thing i'd be worried for."

The lordling would blink, start and choke a bit - on his first sip, looking to the strong drink with widening eyes.

"This certainly isn't apple cider."

His smile returned, as Tray looked back to Cesare.

"That Dommy was here. But I'm sure he'll be by eventually; the only question being who is chasing him. I suspect he'll be horribly disappointed that he doesn't have a certain set of relatives dogging his cloak after this council."

He took a slow second sip, definitely taking his time to savor both drink and company.

"And you have a lady? And she's not here ... but this is Midsummer's shouldn't you be looking for her?"

Kathi simply stat in her chair, looking a bit awkward - the servant with a Lord. She held her mug in both hands but hadn't taken a sip yet.

Meanwhile, at the bandaging and makeshift hospice, the Atterans did their work.

"But what are we supposed to do with this?"

It was the other twin that spoke, letting out a tired breath as she closed an open cut - from a broken crockery pot - with the light touch of the smallest of their Lady's heals. Marcy indicated a slowly growing stack of - things - left behind by the folks of the lowest ring. Most were treats; midsummer's pastries, bread and apples and such; but it also included some embroidered cloth - maybe a scarf or kerchief, a growing stack of wooden cups, some plates, all sorts of little things.

Darcy did have another question, however.

"Is Priestess Jasmine really angry at us?"

Bekkah's patient - well patients - are a pair of teamsters; there is a lot of traffic on the road on Midsummers; mostly delivering food an drink up the rings, and with the crowds the chance of an accident high.

"Our wagon ended in Jacob's tavern ..."

One explained, the one with a broken leg - who was being held up by his compatriot. That one looked as if he had been dragged more than a little down the street- whole but definitely scraped and banged about.

Her own, personal, initiate, however, had grabbed ahold of an older girls hem, tugging on a skirt as the girl awkwardly tried to slip past Romana. She was a tough, scrappy looking lass who was escorting a younger lad - one already bearing an arm wrapped in an easterner's bandage.

"We are fine ... "

The girl blurted out as she tried to brush away Romana's hand. Romana only turned hers then, touching the girls hand for a heartbeat, almost falling over as she whispered soft words and a flash of white sparkles danced from her pale hand and up the other girl's arm.

When the girl stepped away, it was no longer awkward, without any hint of a limp.

"But we have nothing ..."

Romana swayed, and then half drew herself and was half pushed upright by the small ones collected about her.

"Nows ..."

Romana smiled.

"Alls fines."



bah ... spell corrected the wrong word ...

Cesare

"Aye, I should be with her.. but we had important things to do here.."

His eyes twinkle in Lord Tray's direction.

"..and she doesn't like cities."

That said he is still enjoying the day, seeing Lord Tray drink his beer, watching Bekkah - a mother hen with two chicks.. and then Romana, a strange initiate but he can see that the Lady chose well. And he has a beer in hand too. Things could be worse. He smiles at Kathi.

Bekkah

"Keep what you can use, give others as gifts to those who might like them, or trade them for other things. This is how it should be. These are good people who respect and love us. At least when we're doing our Lady's work. And they wish to show their appreciation. Sometimes the things they offer us are more valuable to them than the gold you'd have received from nobles. Consider that when they make the offer."

"As for Lady Jasmine. I am quite certain that the new Seneschal has solved that issue. You will have no problems with her." She said with a knowing smile.

Each in turn she passed on her Lady's blessing to the two teamsters and they were nearly as good as they could be.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy, Romana and Tray

The two teamsters ...

A rather inebriated young man who had an unfortunate meeting with a tavern window. Another young man who got kicked by a horse and a lad who had seemed to have been attacked by his sister's cat.

Until, finally, the person standing in front of Bekkah was the matronly barkeep's. She had a big plate of meat and bread in one hand and a carafe in the other.

"Here. Rest. Eat."

She'd put her hands on her hips after setting the plate and wine down.

'I've told folks that its Midsummers for you and the lasses too. I've already caught the Kiley brother punching each other in the noses so they could call upon your wins. Hauled them back to their Fa by their ears and gave him a good tongue lashing.

"If'n they want to dance, they gotta ask all right and proper."

Bekkah's twin charges collapsed in a flounced sitting, exhaustion turning them from elegant ladies to young girls. A meal had been presented to them. they looked at it, eyes wide.

"How are we going to eat all this! This is like a week's worth of dinners!"

The helpings looked normal to Bekkah; but then she was not well acquainted with what would be considered noble repasts. Common folks, it seemed, had common food. But what they lacked in rarity they made up in ample helpings. And seconds. And thirds. The other twin, probably Darcy, who seemed the more socially sensitive, she had a different question.

"Who is going to ask who to dance? I mean, up in the Keep, the only ones who are allowed to dance are the elder sisters and the priestesses, and only with the Squires and Knights ... and I don't see a Squire or Knight here for you, Ma'am Bekkah?

"And we have a new seneschal? But then, who is going to manage the Cathedral Hospice for us?"

At their small table a meal was delivered and old habits are hard to break - Kathi quietly made sure that Tray's food was taken care of, his drink, as well as Cesare's. Only after all is taken care of that she politely sits again.

"Doesn't like cities ...."

Tray looked across the top of his mug, across to the Rhoni.

"Then it begs a different question. Did she have a bad experience in a town or is it that she has never been in one ... never been in one with the right company or under good circumstances?

"You see... your important work. Is appreciated, good sir.

"I ... I am not sure what the future holds for me; but there is so much I have only experienced but in books, my brother's tales or rumor. To have a chance to see with my own eyes now, how can I not wish to see for myself?

"So something bad may happen - but should I hate all older men because one tried to hurt me? What about those who helped me? Would you Lady chastise me for hating all Forests because a wolf howled at me?

"In some ways I envy you. You walk were the world sends you, like a leaf on a harvest breeeze. You can choose who you share your path with.

"That make you very lucky. You know that, correct?"

A little to the side another group was gathered. Romana sat, her knees drawn up, her white clothes now a camouflage of dust and stains, warms wrapped about them, her chin atop them all. Around her were a ring of four children, and then some more - older - sanding, and then a few adult, looking concerned - as if they were still worried about just who their children were speaking too.

" ... Romanas not hatched.

"Oh!

"Romanas rescued!"

With a smile Romana leaned forward,

"Once upons times ..."

Cesare

He smiles across at Lord Trey after thanking Kathi for the refreshments.

"She is a hunter with a snarkhound, both are just more comfortable together in woodlands and wilderness, it is what they know and what they like."

He smiles, understanding Darian's desire to remain in her own territory and she has Longtooth to consider too.

"As to the future my Lord, hopefully it will be what you make it. I understand that you will have commitments and constraints given your station but seize as many opportunities as you can. Life is for living."

He grins.

"Lucky? It doesn't always feel that way when it has been days since your last meal, when you are chased from a village because the people there consider you trouble.. and worse if they catch you."

His expression is rueful, but his eyes look amused.

"But you are right, despite all of that I would not change my way of life. I am Rhoni. It is in my blood to let the tides of Fate take my steps where they lead. New paths, new people, new experiences.. all fire the blood and make one glad to be alive."

He raises his second mug to his Lordship and Kathi.

"Happy Midsummers to you both."

Then he looks over towards Bekkah, noting how much more tired she now looks.. and raises his mug in her direction.. and then does the same to Romana, his smile broadening as he hears her start a story and wonders just what that tale will be about. Stories for the young might just be a way to change hearts and minds.

Bekkah

Her eyes twinkled at the innkeeper's revelations.

"Thank you mistress. This all looks wonderful and in the nick of time. I was not sure, how much more I had in me." Which was only partially true. While she was tired, she'd been at this far longer than the other three and she could have probably continued. But the was tired and she did appreciate the generosity.

Darcy's question made her smile.

"Why anyone of course. First off, it's Midsummer's. Enjoy the day. If you enjoy dancing, then drop the formality's and just dance for the joy of it." She speaking of it, made Bekkah's blue eyes twinkle and her smile came alive.

"I would be honored to dance with any man here. And especially so if they have some talent at the dance. And yes, I understand that some will ask to dance, simply to put let their hands touch a woman they would not normally touch. Some might even let their hands slide down a bit, but does it not make you smile to know that a man finds you attractive?"

And in an instant her smile lessened and her tone lost its mirth. "There will come a time when you are too old, when men look at all others except you. So enjoy this time. Be young, let yourself be a woman and not a symbol at least for a little while. And it's that laughter and joy that will keep you young."

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Noonish, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy, Romana and Tray

"Anyone?"

Marcy looked to Bekkah, wide eyes.

"Anyone?"

Darcy mirrored her sister's words, but with more than a little shock. She continued, though, placing her hand over her mouth.

"Now that would certainly get us in trouble with Lady Jasmine! She is right proper about being right proper!"

Meanwhile Romana was gathering a little crowd, in her broken common, halting yet earnest. She never seemed bothered about her lack of skill; as if the joy was never in how it was said ... but what was said.

" ... and made her watches. Strong mens, harsh, held ups, hand in hair like fists, slapped her tears came, when so tired, could not stands. Watches ... stars in Mothers eyes set, went all flats, empty, gones, losts, never ever agains ... knowing last thing saws was daughters soft eyes of sapphire ... never understoods ... whys ... the why of whys ....

" ... and todays.

Romana reached out, and patted one of the young girls on the head.

" ... Romanashas littles, fell in halls, fell downstairs, always hugs Mothers skirts, jumps off roof - Romanas not fly wells at all - always find smiles and could look up, stars in eyes and hurts would all goes away.

"Romanashkas grews up like Mothers, maybe, perhaps.

"Even if just littles.

"Maybe make Mothers proud.

"Even monsters, even Romanas can hopes."

At the little table Tray and Cesare continued their conversation.

"A snarkhound? And it didn't eat Dommy? Dommy and snarkhounds have never gotten along. Hah, that's why Marcus raises them, you know. "

As they spoke, the lunch crowd builds and with lunch came a minstrel, or two; a lute and bodhran, and with the Bodhran came clapping to a bright country beat, and with a bright country beat came ...

"Absolute nonsense."

Bekkah's reverie was interrupted by a sturdy looking man, perhaps a little older than he, in rough rugged clothes. They were hinted with iron and soot, speaking towards a blacksmith perhaps, or at the least a farrier.

"Me Fa is going on sixty winters and Ma still has to hit him over the head with an oaken switch every now and then again. Or as Ma told me older sisters, findin' a man ain't hard at all. Finding the right man, now thats the trick."

He'd then look down at Bekkah, nodding.

"Old and plain.

"Absolute nonsense.

"You'll never be."

He gave the priestess a challenging look.

"The real question, however, is ... does a fine lady brawle?"

Bekkah

"Why not?" she asked challenging the pair with a twinkle in her eyes.

"What is right proper? To be put on a shelf to be seen. To be called upon to help when others need you?"

"Bah. I can live a life where I dance and smile and laugh and even love. And I can still perform my duties and I dare say, I can perform them with a brighter smile and more compassion. So unless you know of some Atteran law that forbids it, live, love and laugh and you'll thank me. And you can tell Lady Jasmine I said as much."

And all of their attention was on the man making his way towards them.

She gave him an appraising look, taking a moment to answer him before her smile brightened and she raised her arms for him to help her to her feet.

"Oh I know many a brawle. The question I have for you tough is can ye keep up?"

She turned to look back at the girls.

"Watch and learn my girls." she added with a wink.

She kept a hold of the man's strong hands as he led her to join others in the dance. She was beaming and seemed to have lost all of her weariness.

Cesare

"Well this snarkhound is not only well trained but has a well defined palate."

He chuckles.

"I didn't know your brother raised snarkhounds. How many does he have?"

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Noonish, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy, Romana and Tray

"How many?"

Tray leaned back, sipping his drink. Slowly, trading sips with bites of meat and bread.

"He's got two that he calls his and then there's the kennels. I don't know exactly. He raises them with the Keep's Hunter; Marcus gets the pick of the litter I believe ... the huntsman then finds proper homes for the pups. I suspect the surrounding manors. Lets see. The two are ..."

Finally Kathi spoke up, head down, words quiet but laced with a certain degree of sharpness to them.

"Dawnstalker and Duskhunter. When the Young Master is in, James looks out for them, because they always come skulking. The Heir calls it stalking.

"They also stalk Miss Mouse, but I don't think for the same reason."

As they conversed, the street outside the tavern became a bright bit of celebration - the minstrels played, the common folk danced, those who were trying to get from one place to another had to make a wide arc around, others forgot their destinations to stay and watch and talk.

"I don't recognize her ..."

"... That's Lady Bekkah herself ....

"... west of the Bridge?

"...so she really really is real?"

The blacksmith didn't listen to the chatter about them. His word was centered upon his light haired partner, making sure Bekkah was swept away by the music, strong when close, dashing when the melody took them apart. He smiled as they turn close, adding a few bright words.

"Then, when the first one one of us gets tired, the other buys dinner. Molly cooks up a good side of meat."

Meanwhile, a smaller drama was playing out.

"Go on ...

"I dare you ...

"But they's Ladies ...

"What are you, chicken? I double dare you .... I triple dog dare you!"

One young lad gulped, looking at his ruffish friend. Gathering himself up he walked to ... one of the twins. He stuck out his hand. one twin leaned back, shocked - probably Darcy of course, but then marcy looked both ways and sood up, letting the boy take her off to dance.

"Marcy! How .. how could ..."

Until, of course, Darcy discovered the true tradition behind the very dangerous dog dare. It wasn't just the intensity of the dare ... it also means ...

That if the dare-ee takes up the challenge, the dare-er has to do it too.

And that is how a confused and startled Darcy ended up dancing too.

Romana just smiled and watched.

Bakkah

She was smiling and laughing as she twisted and turned to the music. Her blond hair flowed around her as she moved and when she lifted her skirts a bit to a quicker part of the dance, she heard cheers. Back close to the man, looked up into his eyes, still smiling.

"Yer on. But I be a warning you. I will cheat." she said looking upward as if to say she'd ask for Her blessing to help her before she laughed and spun away.

"Good on you." she said to one of the twins as they accepted the offer, then to the other when she reluctantly joined in as well.

"On you both"

The only thing that could make this any better would be if someone were to ask Romana to dance.

Cesare

His forehead creases into a frown momentarily. He doesn't like the sound of what Kathi may be inferring. But here and now is not the place to pursue it.. or is it? What better ally might Kathi have in the stronghold?

"What do you mean Kathi? Are you or the others at risk from these hounds?"

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Noonish, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy, Romana and Tray

"Not me ... not James ...

"James says we are not worthy of their hunt, and knowing how the Heir feels about the Young Master it is not surprising that he has taught them to seek out his younger sibling.

"Miss Mouse ...

"Miss Mouse is shy and quiet and small and she runs a lot. She ... looks a herself differently than most. Luckily she tends to be faster and smarter than ..."

The servant's head suddenly jerked upwards, as if spying something, something familiar.

"Miss Mouse?"

Meanwhile, in the center of the impromptu square the dance changed from one to another, the spins and twirls bringing the dancers closer and closer- eliciting a gasp from Marcy and a hotly chuffed,

"Fresh!"

From Darcy; then the two are swept away by other partners with the twins tsharing a sudden, surprised "eeeek!"

Which, of course, meant that Bekkah found herself lead away into a grand promenade by a shorter, slighter and equally surprised farmer's lad. It took him a couple stumbled steps before he regained the beat, an odd smile on his face - a hey-look-I'm-dancing-with-a-Real-Live-Lady kind of smile.

From the edge of the ring came a startled voice, a familiar one, rough and ragged and tousled, but very familiar.

"Where are we ... why'd you bring me ...."

It was Kay, looking as if she had run all the way from the Fifth Ring, a bit off balance, a bit of catching her breath, the folks standing near her backed from her a bit - for she leaned upon her tall spear, the one with war weary favors hanging from beneath its deadly ox-tongue head.

" ... great ... now where'd you go ..."

The young Dayalan lifted her head, blinked and then simply said,

"Oh."

For her gaze had fallen upon the last of their party. Her head canted to the side, taking one awkward step forward before stopping. And then it was a sprint, a broken field rush through the middle of the dancers, like a top caroming this way and that before launching herself forward to end skidding, upon her knees, right up to the newest Atteran Initiate.

"Are you fine? No one's hurt you?"

Romana looked as shocked as everyone else.

"Eeep!"

"They tried to make me important. I don't want to be important. I want to serve my Goddess. I want to make Lily-kins proud. They say I'm all important, but I ... I ... I don't want to be. You ... you are a Princess ..."

That brought a sudden breath of shock from those within hearing - from the children, wide eyed and every thing, from the matron, who gave their kind monster a measuring look.

"How do you do it?"

To Kay's question, Romana smiled.

"Romanas are Romanas are Romanas."

"I don't understand."

"Romanas are Romanas are Romanas. Kays are Kays are Kays."

"But ... but ... but ... I don't know what a Kay is anymore."

The Initiate of Kind Lady just looked at the other girl, for a long long set of heartbeats.

"Kay ... Kah'shka ... Kah'shka is Romanas friend, yesyesyes?"

The Dayalan sat back on her haunches, leaned on her spear and after a long moments silence spoke a single syllable.

"Ja."

The music continued and after a while Bekkah's last wish was fulfilled - though it was quite silly watching a worn healer drag a gawking swordsgirl into the celebratory melee by both sleeve cuffs. Not that Bekkah had the time to comment, for suddenly the farm lad was sidestepped, cut like a colt from the herd.

She found herself once again in a blacksmith's arms.

"I cheat too."

Bekkah

She noticed Kay coming running up like her clothes were on fire but she was swept away before she could really tell what the problem was. When she was turned back closer, she saw her now with Romanas and her young initiate was calming explaining something. That put a smile on her face. A smile that was still there when strong arms held her again. Her eyes twinkled at the blacksmith.

"I see. I just thought you needed a rest to keep up with me." she said stepping in a bit closer than was normal. He may find it hard to believe, but a Lady of Attera was actually flirting with him.

Cesare

His question has raised the topic but it is not his to answer. He looks at the young lord pointedly, weaiting for him to answer Kathi.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Noonish, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy, Romana and Tray

"I believe ..."

Tray looked between his two companions.

"That it may have to do with her low self esteeem.

"But that is just a guess; I am not one who has spent time in close company with any ruff, let alone a snarkhound."

Cesare

"The only snarkhound I know has full obedience to his mistress but I have never seen him hunt another person.. nor would he unless commanded to do so.. or maybe in defence of his mistress."

He shrugs.

"Not up to me to question another.. but if these hounds are not so well trained.. should they be in a position for this to occur?"

He's only ever had dogs set on him once and they were farm dogs, not snarkhounds. However it was a very scary experience and he spend some time up a tree in order to prevent a closer encounter.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Noonish, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy, Romana and Tray

"That's the rub, isn't it?"

Lord Tray looked across the table, nodding to Cesare and Kathi.

"What if they are not poorly trained? What if they are as well trained as a snarkhound can be? Maybe the rumors have a mote of truth to them, that at the very best they can only be half taught.

"What does this say about them and their masters?"

The scholar sipped his beer and then looked at the mug. He took a bite of bread and meat. He considered his simple repast, tilting his head.

"When folks speak of feasts, I know what they say, I've read about them. Grand occasions that take many pages in a book or long length of a scroll to describe.

"Yet for me. This right here. Is a feast.

"Maybe we have a natural tendency to look for complex answers when in truth they are quite simple and they are right in front of us.

"Maybe they are just very good hunters."

As the three chatted, they were joined by a fourth. Miss Mouse snuggled herself close in next to Kathi, the older, taller servant naturally and protectively tucking her under one arm. They shy one carried - a bit awkwardly - Kay's spear, protecting it while the dark haired Dayalan was lead through the bright bransle by the white haired Atteran.

It was interesting. While many folks got a chuckle out of Kay's clumsy steps and a fierce scowl in return. Romana smiled and did not seem to mind at all.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the circle, the blacksmith slipped a very strong arm around Bekkah's waist, so that at the next bright turn not only was she held a little too close but dashing and fancy enough to lift her feet from the ground.

"How is that for tired?"

The blacksmith shared a swashbuckling grin with the Lady Bekkah.

The bold display received both laughter and applause from those watching the dance!

Bekkah

She laughed with pure joy when he lifted her off her feet. If there was discomfort in being held so close, it did not show. In fact, if it was not for the robes and holy symbol, most would take her for a simple peasant girl being shown the time of her life.

"Quite impressive good man." she said still laughing with joy.

"But can the speed of your feet match the strength of your arms in this next part?" she said challengingly. When he finally set her down, she hiked up her skirts a bit and her feet moved to the pattern facing him. If they'd had weapons the steps and her posture would have been a clear challenge to a duel. She watched him smiling to see if he could match her.

Cesare

He feels he has introduced the concern about the snark hounds now, maye the best thing is to let the young Lord ponder on it for a while.. after all it is Midsummers.

He downs his ale and gets to his feet.

"I think it is time to dance, maybe one or both of you will do me the honour?"

He grins at both Kathi and Mouse and then glances back to Lord Trey.

"With your permission my Lord."

A big concession for Cesare, it is rare he asks for permission for anything but he is concerned about leaving the Lord, newly out of his sick bed. He might be intending a dance but he will be watching over Lord Trey regardless.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Early Afternoon, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy, Romana and Tray ... and eventually others ...

"I think ...."

Kathi simply tilted her head.

"I think that Miss Mouse will prefer staying here with the Young Master's brother and keep him company. Wouldn't you, Miss Mouse?"

Still holding Kay's spear - which towered a couple mouses high - in both arms, the smallest of Dominic's servants looked up to her household mate and nodded her reply before looking to Tray with a big wide smile. Kathi raised her head and turned back towards the gallant Cesare.

"I believe that just leaves myself, if a servant girl is fine for this midwinters, though this will be very different ..."

The young woman stepped backwards towards the street where the minstrels played and the dancing occurred. Tray looked between the three from Kathi to Mouse to Cesare.

"Go ... go .... I'll gladly keep the little one company."

After Tray gave his blessing, Kathi continued her sentence,

" ... this will be very different ... you are much taller than the Young Master."

Inside the ring of dancers, Kay had finally figured out a few steps, fiercely trying to keep up with a court trained princess. Though her clumsiness did have an occasional benefit.

"Hey. Tomboy. You can't dance ... and a pretty girl should have a big strong handsome ... OW!"

A rake did try, once, to cut between Easterner and Dayalan. Only to have a misstep on the Dayalan's part end up driving a wooden heel into his soft leather boot.

"Ooops."

Meanwhile, the middle of the of the street started to clear, not that the dancing stopped, no, it continued in a set of three rings, each rotating around the center. And in the center two were left.

Between dancers and the minstrels they had created an arena.

An arena for a Midsummer's duel.

"That's a Skaefla step ... "

The blacksmith smiled at Bekkah, and he was correct, it was a turn from the other side of the Silk Creek Bridge.

The blacksmith matched the Priestess, step for step, beat for beat - with the advantage that his boots had harder heels which tapped out the rhythm upon the cobbles.

"My Mother was from those lands. How about you?"

It was his turn to continue, upping the stakes and challenging Bekkah with a sailor's jig.

But then, Lady Bekkah had, of course, herself, been trained in the port of Talesan's Village.

This was what two redheads found, as they finally made it to the outermost ring. Something Daxia had never seen before - her kind older sister ... in battle.

Per se.

Daxia Yurisdotter

They had traveled all the way down to the First Ring, very nearly out of the city itself, before they came upon the most amazing and enchanting sight.

The fact that Lord Tray Korie sat anonymously in a crowd of commoners — mostly commoners, she reminded herself — with Dominie’s littlest servant — Mouse, it was, ya? — was delightful enough to bring a smile to the Dayalan’s face.

Watching Cesare dancing with Dominie’s other servant brought a small pang to her heart, for she would have liked to see Darian this day to wish her a happy Midsummer. But it would have been quite uncomfortable for Darian among so many people. And Cesare... well, he simply enjoyed life, and dancing, and whatever each day brought. She could probably do well to embrace a bit of that Rhoni philosophy.

Her grin broadened as she watched Romana and Kay. There was something in their dancing — perhaps it was Kay’s honestly clumsy mashing of some poor lad’s foot — that sparked a seeing of Paths. One was Romana’s... one was Kay’s... it was impossible to tell where the Paths led, but it was clear they were intertwined.

“Hoi,” she said under her breath as she decidedly did not giggle, “I told you so.”

But then she spied her sister in the middle of the rings of dancers. Dazi had to bite a knuckle to keep from bursting out laughing. Oh, Bekkah’s partner was good. He was very good. But Dazi knew her sister.

Bekkah cheated.

Even before she became a follower of Attera and learned how to heal her own aching, blistered feet — not that Bekkah would ever really do such a thing... well, probably not — Bekkah had somehow managed to cheat.

When she was sure she wasn’t going to laugh loud and long enough to distract Bekkah, she pointed the couple out to Kisa. “I would put a coin on the poor fellow if I had coin to bet and if I were a betting person, surely from sympathy. I don’t know how Bekkah does it, but she has always been the last dancer standing and begging for more.” She raised an eyebrow as the patterns of their feet changed. “And she’s learned some new steps that I don’t know! How wonderful!”

Dazi looked at Kisa with a bright glint in her eyes.

“I don’t suppose the folk from around Sapphire Lake or beyond Glacier are famous for their dancing, are they?” She chuckled, then nodded toward the others of her little party. “They will be lighting torches before Bekkah gives up, I would think. Come dance with me! There’s more room closer to my friends.”

Bekkah

When doing her Lady's work, she felt infused with life, but short of that, she could not remember a time she had as much fun in many years to this duel of dance. When Dazi sees her, she'll see a smile on Bekkah's face that she hasn't seen since they were young.

There was a light sheen of sweat on Bekkah's face and she practically glowed as she moved. She matched the blacksmith step for step. She knew every dance he had suggested and in turn, he moved as well as any man she'd ever had the pleasure of dancing with.

His question almost made her miss a step.

"I did not know my mother." she said curtly before hiking her skirts a bit to show that she could dance the jig like she'd lived by the sea all her life.

He had tended to steps that let the sound of his boots match the music so everyone knew how perfect his steps had been. She decided to see if he could match her ability to flow.

"Surely a man of your skill can keep up with this." she said as she set to spinning. Her skirts flared out as she spun around him, faster and faster to the point where more of her legs showed that might be considered proper for a lady. Her blond hair, loose flowed around her and she seemed to be losing herself. As a child she'd always enjoyed spinning and she could do it long periods without ever getting dizzy. The man's counter steps to this involved spinning as well, matching her pace to meet every tenth turn before separating again.

[ooc: If this sounds stupid, sorry. I know very little about dancing.]

Cesare

Smiling at the young Lord, he offers a hand to Kathi and leads her out into the dance, joining the outer circle. He has no formal training just some experience dancing around the campfire with his small family, joining in with villagers wherever they stopped and a general enthusiasm. He doesn't much care if he can't follow a pattern, instead he would improvise with steps of his own, not at all self-conscious about it either.

He does however pay attention to his partner and smiles at Kathi, hoping she has a good Midsummers. He remembers the last time he was dancing and that was with Darian. She had an enthusiasm that matched his and being partners in more than just dance allowed an intimacy and a matching of style that he had delighted in. He hopes she is safe.. and really wishes they were together.. especially today.

But he cannot change that...

So several ales and the general atmosphere all help to rise to the occasion and he gives himself up to the music.

Darian

When the others of the small group had ventured inside the city, she and the Covener had opted to remain outside the walls. Each had had their own reasons but at least one in common - cities made them uncomfortable. For herself, her initial foray into one had caused discomfort and some disgust at all the people crammed in together and on top of each other. The experiences that followed in both Cragside and Bordertown did nothing to dissuade those feelings but rather exacerbated them, giving rise to an even greater mistrust of cities and those who lived in them. The only thing that tempered that mistrust was the small group of people with whom she had been traveling.

At some point between the time the others went in and now, the one called Jankin had been Called. She had hunted, mostly small game, just enough to keep herself and Longtooth fed, keeping bones and pelts and feathers as she was wont to do. This morning she let her feet lead her and the snarkhound. Midday found them just outside the town walls where the big gates were thrown open. Music and laughter drifted out to tickle their ears. She had to admit it was much more pleasant than some of the things they had heard from other towns.

She looked down to her four footed companion, chuffed and tilted her head in question. He chuffed in return and offered a small dip of his head. moved forward towards those big gates.

Together they wended their way through the outliers, both stepping easily and lightly. All eyes were on the dancers and ears on the music. It was only once they had passed into view did people realize they were there.

The first one she spotted that she knew was the healer, her blond hair and white dress unmistakeable. Nearby was the red haired healer's sister, the Dayalan and her friend. She smiled at seeing them happy and slid toward a wall. Another of their companions whirled into view, and she smiled again. The others she did not see and did not look overmuch. She was content to watch, trading a bit for ales for her and Longtooth.

Cesare

Normally he may not have noticed though little of import escaped the Rhoni's eyes as he is more of an observer than a participant. Today though he is still partly on his guard, concerned about the welfare of the young Lord, recently restored to health. So his eyes do check the young Lord and scan the area for potential threats or anyone new.

He had been thinking of Darian and his eyes slide past her, for a moment considering her an apparition of his desires but no, his eyes move back and there she is. His feet stop dancing, his mouth forms a huge grin and probably aided by the mood of the day and a couple of quickly downed ales, he lets out a whoop and run out of the dance towards her, aiming to pick her up and twirl her around.

It is probably fair to say he is delighted to see her.

Daxia Yurisdotter

There were few things that might have made the day a more brilliant celebration than it was. Though they weren’t in Dawnview, she was still dancing with Kisa... that alone was a greater gift than any other she could have received on this Midsummers Day. The Dayalan’s smile was readily shared with all of the world; she had more graceful, though equally effective, ways of dissuading any interested potential dance partners from interrupting them than accidentally stepping on their feet. Dancing and sparring had a great deal in common she realized, and that only added to the merriment.

Dazi started at Cesare’s cry, concerned as always for those in her small troop. But when she saw the reason for his cry — and the surprised look on the face of his dance partner — she relaxed again. Seeing Darian was one of the things that did make the day even better. Dominic’s servant didn’t remain without a partner for very long, as there were any number of men young and not so young willing to do their best to keep her on her feet and dancing.

“Darian,” she said to Kisa as the steps of the dance brought them closer and allowed Dazi the chance to guide Kisa in a circle around another pair of dancers. “I will introduce you after Cesare has had a chance to express his happiness.”

She’d been aware that Cesare glanced often at Lord Tray, so the Starrider diverted a fraction of her attention to the Korie Lord while Cesare’s eyes, mind, and heart were otherwise occupied. It was Midsummers and she doubted anything worse than a bold request to dance would intrude upon his seemingly peaceful delight at merely being outdoors. Still... there were three warriors of Dayala nearby and ready to defend the relatively defenseless lord should it become necessary.

She did wonder how long Bekkah’s dance partner could keep up with her. Bekkah was in the middle of one of her wild spinning sprees... Dazi knew even she could never hope to match Bekkah in a spinning contest.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Early Afternoon, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy, Romana, Tray, Romana, Kay, the Blacksmith, Miss Mouse, Daxia, Kisa, Darian ...

... and Longtooth.

A blink.

A stop.

Hands held awkwardly at her side, for a moment one of the dancers looked lost, out of place and suddenly alone. Kathi's jaw dropped a bit, without a why, without a where for, abandoned upon a Midsummer's dance.

Her head ducked, properly, of course, and folding her hands behind her back she slowly slipped her way through the dancers. It wasn't until something caught her attention that her eyes suddenly widened and she broke into a run.

Meanwhile ...

"I don't think I could have wished for a better Midsummer's gift."

In the midst of a fancy turn, skirts slashing in the dashing Dawnview style, Kisa offered Daxia a matching gift in return.

Her smile.

Meanwhile ...

"I ain't stoppin' unless you do! Anythin' you can do, Snowtop, I can do ..."

Meanwhile ...

"Keep up with you?"

The blacksmith didn't even give Bekkah a chance to complete her second fancy spin before he swept into the center of the circles, snaring her waist, following her lead, accenting her steps with his own ... when she spun, she was twirled, when she hopped, strong arms lofted her in to the air.

"Do you know the man's secret of the dance ..."

And when Bekkah came sailing back down she was deftly caught and sent spinning across the square.

" ... it's making his partner look both beautiful and graceful."

Meanwhile ...

At Tray's table ...

There wasn't even a squeak, in an awkward hop-panic-leap Mouse was suddenly in the Korie's lap, desperately shuffling back against him, as if she were trying to hide inside the lord's surcoat.

That was when Kathi arrived, literally skidding across the dusty road to end with her back to Mouse and Tray, legs spread apart, warms out wide - a servant sized barricade, a path blocked, a you shall not pass.

She was between Mouse and ...

Longtooth.

The snarkhound's teeth were bared, and momentarily paused, his predatory gaze darted back and forth, trying to see past this sudden interruption, to his small prey.

Daxia Yurisdotter

She returned Kisa’s smile, happier than she felt since... well, since leaving the Vale late last Yrick. Dazi didn’t think anything could mar the bright, joyous wonder of the day.

Of course, she was wrong.

Movement... movement... and yet more movement.

“Tcha!! No!”

She almost hated herself for doing it, but she stepped away from Kisa...

“Stay with Dandy!”

...and then wove, ducked and flat out ran in the same direction as Dominic’s servant. She came to a halt beside — well, slightly in front of — the servant girl, and stared at Longtooth.

“Brave lass,” she said quietly to the young woman standing between the snarkhound and her friend.

Only slightly louder, but her voice filled to overflowing with annoyance, she said to the ruff, “No, Longtooth! Friend. Not prey. Friend!”

She had one hand on her dagger and the other on the pommel of her sword, but did not want to draw either one on... well... a friend. He might be a wild and very dangerous friend, but as much as any ruff could be considered a friend, Longtooth was certainly that. Still, she refused to take her eyes off him.

“Darian! Dazi not want hurt Longtooth. Come! Now!” she called to the Hunter.

She hoped the small Mouse sized lass was well hidden behind her friend and in Lord Korie’s arms.

“Dazi must hurt Longtooth if Longtooth try to hurt girl.” Yes, he was a ruff. But he was smarter than any other ruff she’d met in her life... he’d proved that many times over. “Dazi not want. But Dazi must.”

She prayed to her Lady that it wouldn’t be necessary to fully draw her sword and use it, even as she began easing it from the scabbard.

Bekkah

There was no way she could have seen the drama unfolding around her. Besides, her skills were best suited to what happened afterwards, she was not a fighter at all.

She laughed as the blacksmith lifted her up and spun her. And when he pulled her in close so that he could spin and let her fly away, she held tight, their bodies as close as two people could get.

It was hard to speak when she moved like this, but she replied to him in pieces as she came close again.

"From the looks ..."

"Of the people..."

"around us ..."

"I'd say you're ..."

"Doing a masterful job ..."

Then the music changed giving her a bit of a chance to catch her breath.

"You are quite a dancer sir. I am more than impressed." she said looking into his eyes as they moved in the center of the people.

"But I will not make me tire. Perhaps a truce is in order?"

Darian

Her head swiveled towards the sudden cry. With the crowd, the dancers and the movement of all, the source was no longer in the place where she looked. So it was that she was slightly surprised by the hands on her. Her mug of ale went flying, spilling and spraying on her and those surrounding her.

She twisted and threw an elbow, connecting solidly with her accoster's nose. She twisted again to follow through with her other elbow and tore herself from his grasp to follow the flash of Longtooth's fur. There being no room to draw her bow, her hand went to her long dagger,

She arrived just as Dazi called her name.

"Hoi, Dazi," she said, taking in the Dayalan's defensive stance against the snarkhound.

She had reason to trust her friend and saw no evidence of threat here.


"Longtooth!" she barked sharply. "Here be no prey!"

Daxia Yurisdotter

Dazi relaxed visibly at Darian’s arrival, allowing the sword to slide back into the scabbard and her hands to drop to her side.

“Hoi, Darian,” she said, permitting herself a tight smile as she turned slightly to rest a hand lightly on the shoulder of the wee Mouse’s friend. She still kept a wary eye on the snarkhound, however.

“I would say your actions worthy of a Dayalan if it would not give you offense, lass. Certainly they are the actions of a true friend.”

The redhead glanced at Lord Korie and the Mouse still trying to make herself invisible, then hooked her thumbs into her belt.

“You’re one of Dominic’s, yes?” The Dayalan’s tone could almost be interpreted as implying Dominic’s caretaker rather than Dominic’s servant. “I’m afraid I did not learn your name earlier. I am Daxia, and this is Hunter Darian,” she said, tilting her head in Darian’s direction.

Although she continued to glance at Longtooth with every breath, Daxia scanned the crowd again. Upon seeing another redhead with a taller blonde behind her, the radiance of her smile almost matched the brilliance of the Sun Herself. She waved Kisa and Dandy over.

Bekkah looked to be having the time of her life, and Dazi could not be happier for her. Nor did she want to interrupt her sister; Bekkah needed this chance to touch the ground and not be on a pedestal... even if it only lasted for one precious Midsummers day.

In deference to the Korie’s obvious enjoyment of his anonymity, she simply said to Darian as an introduction, “Man Tray... girl name Mouse.”

On the next pass of her eyes over the snarkhound, Dazi frowned with disapproval... and sighed.

Looking over Darian’s shoulder, her eyes grew wider as she muttered, “Ooops.”

She looked at a couple dancing — well, one of them was actually dancing — nearby.

“Does Romana need more practice? Maybe let Bekkah dance dance dance all day, da?” Dazi looked over in Cesare’s direction again, lower lip caught between her teeth, before looking at Kay and Romana. She shrugged very slightly.

“Yah, need teach Kay more dancing.”

She narrowed her eyes and considered her Initiate for a moment.

“You know... if you think of dancing as a type of sparring — without the cheating — you might find it makes more sense. Follow Romana’s lead; you’re working together, yah? If someone tries to cut in...” Dazi winked. “...then you cheat.”

Daxia continued her surveillance of the area, watching in particular for the Rhoni... waiting with as much patience as she could muster for Kisa to return to her side... while also being aware of Lord Tray, Dominic’s servants, her sister, her Initiate, her Eastern friend, her Hunter friend... and Longtooth.

Cesare

Well that hadn't gone as planned. For a moment he is dazed, partly from shock and also from two blows in quick succession, neither of which were anticipated.

Leaning up against the wall she had so recently vacated, he is glad of its solidity as his eyes follow Darian's wake. It takes a few moments to work out what is going on. Kathi and Daxia side by side squaring off against.. Longtooth? Darian obviously going in to contain her hound.

In view of the 'welcome' he just had, he thinks staying here is a better option. Touching his nose gingerly, he mops away some blood on his kerchief.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Noonish, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy, Romana and Tray

The most important happened first.

The growling snarkhound immediately stepped back, answering his partner's words. Three easy lopes and Longtooth sat down next to Darian.

Though he still gave the little one, the small girl now hidden behind her Master's elder brother, a very suspicious look. Predator looking at prey ... and perhaps something more. The snarkhound shifted his weight from paw to paw, as if a bit uncomfortable.

Also uncomfortable was Cesare, battered a bit now and the recipient of several knowing looks from he witnesses.

"Cor ... you never leave any lassie like that ..."

"Ow ... been married a fullhand now. I know what THAT feels like!"

At the same time, Dominic's servant answered Daxia.

"Kathi ..."

She ducked her head reflexively.

"And yes, I serve the Young Master ... and ... and its what family does, isn't it?"

"Yes it is."

The person answering the servant girl was Kisa, coming up on one side of Daxia while upon the other meandered Captain Koromov. Dandelion watched the interplay between Hunter and Hound, chuckling softly.

"Now that's something you don't see everyday. Takes a lot of trust ... that."

In the center of the ring the fair and bright center of attention was spun to the minstrel's music.

"Truce ..."

The blacksmith smiled, sending Bekkah twirling away before sweeping her back in.

"Or perhaps just a change of venue. Ale, a meal, tales shared around a table of friends ... and ..."

He was interrupted by a single word. One word spoken causing a hiccup in the music, half the dancers to pause.

Kay was already scrambling, her attention both snapping back to her mentor, the return of the hunter and the threat of dangerous growls and also suddenly a little overwhelmed trying to keep track of her feet, that of all people she should not be dancing with was the one leading her about, and then those nearby had the temerity to suddenly stop in their tracks, a complete halt, that sent her tumbling into her white haired partner, sending them both in a tumble through the others, ending in an awkward, sprawled tangle and a shocked gawk.

"Tray?"

The crowd's whisper echo'd Daxia's introduction, spoken from the crowd.

"Lord Tray?"

"Can' be, he's all sickly, up in there in the Keep ..."

"Wait, that's one of Lord Dominic's yes? Yes. yes she is; I recognize her, she buys her potatoes from me every other market day ..."

"And thats the small one who runs their errands ..."

"I though he was deee ... ow!"

"Wait ... who is the fire hair WITHOUT the sword ..."

"Yikes! We'v been invaded by Nobles!"

"She ain't no noble, she's our Monster! Ow!"

"Not the white haired one, the redhead you silly!"

"But she's a Princess!"

"You mean she's the one who told off Old Man Korie? Bwahahahahahahahahahaha!"

"But why does he have gray hair? He was born the same summer as I!"

"Because he's been sick, you berk."

"Oh yah. That's ... that ..."

"By the Three ... it makes sense, that's got to be him ... look ... look there ..."

One of the minstrels, his lute now silent, pointed to the center of the open space, towards Bekkah.

"She's a Lady Kind ... and NOT one of the Cathedrals.

"Ma'am! Lady! Dama!

"Did you cure our Lord Tray?

The attention of the crowd then swung, from the dancers to the table, where Mouse was now wide eyed, trying to become even smaller, eyes darting this way and that, looking for a way to escape, but she was trapped, because someone had said, keep her spear safe for her.

The Korie tucked the little ward beneath his arm.

"Does it matter? The ale is good, the music is fine, the bread warm, the company grand, isn't that what is important upon a Midsummer's afternoon?"

To that, from the matronly innkeeper's wife came a chuckle loud, the sound echoing across the ope square.

"Can't be.

"Since when does a Noble have a lick of common sense."

To which there was but one answer from the Talantal Lord.

"What can I say, I've been sick."

It was as if the entire ring broke out in laughter.

Daxia Yurisdotter

Daxia chuckled and nodded to Kathi. “As is often the case,” she said as she slipped an arm around Kisa’s waist, “Dama Kisa is quite correct. Family is family is family.”

She did raise an eyebrow at Dandy’s remark, however. “Actually... that is something I see every day. Perhaps you simply haven’t met enough Hunters and their companions, da?”

Dazi looked from Longtooth to Darian once, then twice. “Yah, Dazi know Longtooth think girl prey,” she said to the ruff. “Not! Family? Yah, Dazi confuse Longtooth with big family. Dazi, Kadri, Dominie, Kathi, Mouse-girl. Ha. So. No prey here.”

Then she looked at Kisa, happy... very happy. “May I present Hunter Darian and her companion Longtooth, two members of my wee band of interesting folk whom I consider family.”

She eyed Longtooth again. “Yah. Family. You.” Then smiled at both Hunter and Hound. “Darian, Longtooth... this Kisa. Dazi heart-friend.” A puzzled look briefly flashed across her face as she tilted her head. “Where Jankin? Like Kisa know Jankin, too.”

The familiar albeit shocked gawk caught the Starrider’s attention moments later, and she looked to the side where Kay and Romana sprawled in a tangle of light and dark. She bit her lip to keep from laughing... or giggling... or even chuckling, but she couldn’t keep from shaking her head.

“Dama Kay,” she said sternly, “if you think this sort of behavior, even on Midsummers Day, will in any way convince me you have learned the lesson I set before you on the road from Highside Heather...”

The day was too glorious with Kisa right here! With her! Dazi couldn’t maintain the facade any longer, and laughed.

“...well, yes. It does begin to convince me. You’ll want to untangle yourselves there before you get trampled, yes?”

She was keenly aware of the talk around her, and her inadvertent outing of Tray as a Noble. He seemed to take it in stride, however, charming the common folk of his city just as easily as his youngest brother managed to charm his way into her own affections.

Oh, make no mistake... Dazi thought Dominic Korie was very naughty, and definitely played fast and loose with truth. Still, he was undeniably charming.

She did grin at the matronly woman who inquired about Nobles and their possession of common sense, and could certainly see the resemblance of personality between eldest and youngest brothers in Tray’s response.

“I do apologize, m’lord, for inadvertently alerting your folk to your presence,” she said quite sincerely. “However, it does seems a far more delightful way to learn of your renewed health than from rumors and whispers because the Heralds neglected to venture so close to the edge of the city.”

Looking between Kisa and Tray, she said, “I’ve no doubt you know of one another, in part thanks to a young rapscallion I happened to meet in Bordertown,” she said them as she rolled her eyes... just a bit, “but I would be honored to make proper introductions.”

Daxia stepped back from Kisa’s side only far enough to give the two Nobles a perfectly executed and very Courtly curtsy — although the enormous smile on her face would have made it seem a bit odd if they’d actually been in court. She returned to Kisa’s side to tuck the Heir back into her embrace.

“Dama, may I present Lord Tray Korie, Seneschal of the Noble Family Korie and the Grand Duchy of Talantal?”

The redhead — the bolder, brasher, and contentedly more Common of the two — looked at the the Korie seated with a Mouse in his lap, who was trying her best to hide while at the same time gripping a Dayalan spear as though it was the most important job in the world. It was a delightfully charming sight.

“My Lord, may I present Dama Kisa Allaine, Heir of the Noble Family Allaine of Dawnview Vale?”

Duty — as pleasant as it was — completed, Daxia looked toward the spot where she last saw Bekkah. If she managed to catch her sister’s eye, Dazi’s look would definitely give the message, Go have fun!

Then she looked over at Cesare, raised an eyebrow, and touched the bridge of her nose with her free hand. She mouthed, Are you okay?

Cesare

He is staring at Darian's back, still wondering what had happened. Did she know he had tried to welcome her or had she mistaken him for someone else? And if she did know it was him.. then.. well he guesses that he gets the message.

He sees Daxia, close to Darian, looking over in his direction, asking if he is OK. Well this won't be the first blooded nose he's has and nothing seems broken but his pride at least is dented.. maybe more..

He shrugs in response, remaining where he is.

Bekkah

She twirled away, then back snuggly into the big man's arms.

"If one's dinner conversation is as good as one's dancing, then I would be honored to share ale and food." She most definitely would not promise more. Not to any man upon meeting him.

Then the pair finally noticed the commotion and others were asking if she'd healed Lord Tray.

She nodded. "I did." she said simply looking over at the others, her eyes raised at the mess Kay and Romana were making of the dance.

Darian

As soon as the snarkhound was at her side, she slipped off the bow to inspect it for moisture from the ale spill. Her fingers dug into a pouch and pulled out a soft, dry cloth. She checked both wood and string closely though she did also notice Dazi's introduction.

"Hoi, Kisa. Darian happy meet."

The spatters were light but enough to make her frown and spend extra time in those spots where they occured.

"Jankin say must go. Jankin go, no say where. Darian no ask."

Bow cleaned off, she slipped it back over her shoulder.

"Darian need ale," she stated.

Daxia Yurisdotter

Dazi nodded at the information about Jankin.

“Dayala say Dazi do this, do that... Dazi go. Same for Jankin, his God, maybe. Okay, yah.

“No need go Dirkwood now; we go for Jankin,” she said absently as she watched Darian clean her bow. “Help him maybe do good.”

The Dayalan looked at the Hunter quizzically when she returned her bow to its proper place.

“Darian know she whack Cesare... not stranger?”

She glanced between Darian and Cesare, who remained by the wall, her expression a mixture of concern and confusion.

Darian

She glanced back over her shoulder to see the Rhoni leaning against the wall and shrugged.

"Darian no say okay, no touch. Darian no pet."

Cesare

As he is watching her, he sees Darian turn around. No sign of welcome, no sign of an apology, no desire for his company obviously.

He has no idea what has caused this. Maybe her time away caused her to reconsider?

Hard to take but he can at least keep his dignity and maybe make things easier for her. Pushing off the wall, he moves away from the dancing, heading back the way he came.

Daxia Yurisdotter

Dazi looked at Darian, nodded slowly and simply said “Yah,” drawing the word out to match the confusion she was working through. “Darian no pet, true.”

Then she looked over at Cesare as he began walking away, her brows drawing together as she instinctively drew Kisa closer. Then she looked at the woman in the circle of her arm, emotions flaring... many of which she decidedly had no desire to hide. This wasn’t court. And it was Midsummer.

She looked back at her friend, resting her cheek on Kisa’s soft red hair that was so much more tame than her own... flowing long and beautiful, in contrast to her wild, wavy and considerably shorter mop.

“Dazi know this. Dazi think Cesare know this. Dazi think Cesare feel many strong things for Darian. Cesare let feelings splash all over Darian like demon melt all over Dazi, yah? Darian remember mess then, yah?”

She gave a somewhat exaggerated shudder at the memory, smiling sickly as she looked at the Hunter.

“And is Midsummer. Time for happiness. Time okay for everyone be not usual self, yah?”

Her eyes twinkled with delight as she lifted her head to plant a quick kiss on Kisa’s cheek before giggling and saying to Darian, to Kisa... really to anyone who happened to be listening, “Dazi always think, even write tell Bekkah, boys sometimes very silly. At festival time?”

She paused to smile slyly at the Korie lord, then snorted and nodded knowingly in Cesare’s direction.

“Dazi think boys silliest at festival time. Dazi not understand them.”

Her smile softened as she looked at Darian.

“Maybe only yesterday Cesare see Darian... and year almost since Dazi see Kisa. Dazi feel like Cesare, so happy see Kisa Dazi want be silly like Cesare. But Dazi not silly as Cesare. Maybe used to be before demon and curse and many bad things, yah?”

She knew she could explain the thoughts running through her head so much better if she didn’t use her Dawnview dialect — likely Sapphire Lake region, or possibly even The Jambles because she couldn’t even remember if it was her father’s speech pattern she imitated or her mother’s — but she also knew that too many words would be counterproductive when talking to Darian.

She just shrugged, then sighed.

“Darian get ale. Dazi think Cesare need ale, too.

“Dazi think Dazi need remember silly.”

She wrapped both arms around the Heir of Allaine, spun the two of them in a tight circle — for there really wasn’t much room for anything else — then set Kisa back on her feet before giving her a chaste, but certainly more proper, kiss on her lips.

“There. Dazi be little silly.”

The Dayalan looked sidelong at the Hunter.

“Darian tell Cesare too much silly spill on Hunter not good idea, maybe? Think Cesare maybe too silly for Darian. But think maybe Darian forget is Midsummer, yah? Know Longtooth forget! Longtooth need ale too! Fun, fun! Go, go!”

She sighed and smiled.

“Dazi stay with Kisa. Darian say words for Rhoni... or smack again. Is Midsummer. Whatever fun, you do. Dazi not need know. No, no, no. Dazi ride unicorn. Not need know all everything!”

She reached out a hand to rest fingers ever so lightly on the Hunter’s arm.

“Darian, Cesare have good feelings together. Dazi not like see broken Path seeing. Darian, Cesare can mend Path. Dazi know.”

Her blue eyes seemed to plead with the Hunter as she lowered her hand and twined her fingers in Kisa’s.

“Dazi only not know if broken Path want fixed. Only Darian, Cesare know.”

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Afternoonish, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and a Blacksmith, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth and an Innkeeper's Wife.

The Mistress of the Inn raised her hands above her and clapped them loud and sure.

***clap***clap***clap***

"The Lady wishes dinner! Ale! Food! Tables! Benches!"

From one flurry of activity the makeshift square transformed to another. The dancers broke up, the lassies scattering to the surrounding shops, the laddies much closer as from the tavern tables were dragged, benches and chairs hove to. It was its own sudden and domestic ballet, tables set end to end to form a single long line and at the head of it was the one that was already occupied by Tray Korie. As the tables and chairs were set down the womenfolk returned with gingham spreads and wooden goblets and cups of all shapes and sizes. From the surrounding shops came plates of bread, buckets of beer and ale, pastries and bowls of hot vegetables - while from the tavern itself was summoned hanks of venison and steak, whole chickens, turkey, goose and one very unlucky duck.

This was different than what was done in the upper rings, in the fancy halls of the Kories.

In those halls there would be ranks of tables set in proper order.

Here, one long length - like one big family.

The twins found themselves being ushered towards the nominal Father's end - close to the Korie, each flanked by two young lads, each determined to make sure hey didn't have to reach for anything at their feast. Marcy looked to Darcy and Darcy looked to Marcy and both raised their hands, palms upwards, shoulders shrugging, surrendering themselves.

"Kindness. Duty. Honor. Humility."

Darcy proclaimed in an aristocratic whisper. To which Marcy leaned forward and looking around two boys answered,

"Kindness, duty, honor, humility and they actually, really, really like us!"

"I hope you don't mind a boarding house reach?"

The Blacksmith smiled to Bekkah as he promenaded her to a bench in the middle of things. A bench big enough for two, ducking a goblet into a cold bucket for the country lady before taking his place next to her - midsummer's close and just the right height for resting a head upon a shoulder. The food smelled delicious and as they sat plates were set out like stones skipped across a lake.

"It has been a long time since I've had company at my meal. I hope you don't find conversation about horseshoes and hinges boring, or that working a wheel rim late into the night sends sparks up against the black sky dancing like fireflies."

Meanwhile, at the head of the table, there was an exclamation of absolute shock.

"Kisa Allaine? It is a pleasure, my brother has spoken ... spoken ... spoken .. wait, wait one heartbeat, go back, what did you say? Seneschal of the Noble Family Korie and the Grand Duchy of Talantal? Seneschal! Aieee! I'm not out and about a single day - when did they make me anything, much less Seneschal!

Tray Korie closed his eyes.

"It was right after I left court, wasn't it?"

Mouse was silent, but she bobbed her head up and down several times, nodding in the affirmative.

"My Father is a slimey sleeze and my brother is a wart upon a slimey sleeze."

A few hands down one of the more successful of the days revelers lifted his head from the table and raising his mug all shaky and bleary eyed, offered an inebriated toast,

"I'll drink to that!"

"Felky, you'll drink to anything!"

"Aye-yup!"

Next to Daxia, Kisa simply let herself be tucked in, returning to the Lord Korie a proper ducking of her head.

"Well met. I too have heard of you - your brother seldom talks of anyone else when we are together.

"We are both dependent on your brother's word. Which begs the question, just how much can anyone trust Dominic Domine Korie.

"He's a true rapscallion. But he's a good ..."

"TCHA!"

The conversation between Tray and Kisa was suddenly interrupted as Captain Koromov suddenly came to a fel realization and crossed her arms, her calm demeanor suddenly and obviously annoyed.

"That's right. He's not here and I am. And its's Midsummers. Sea and Stars and all the Prince's Horse, who am I going to hang from the rafters now? Your brother is an inconsiderate lout, Lord Tray."

Immediately half a dozen of the nearby menfolk took a sudden, quick two steps back.

Captain Koromov scanned the crowd - her gaze falling upon Kathi. Then it swiveled, leveling upon a retreating Rhoni.

"Maybe him."

Kisa frowned a bit, her gaze slipping in a triangle - Cesare to Koromov to Kathi - before she turned her attention to Hunter and Snarkhound, returning to them a bow of her head, same as she had Troy.

"Longtooth and Darian. It is good to finally have faces to put to names and words. Thank you ... youuu ... oooouuuueeeeeeeeeeeeek!"

Totally caught off guard, an heiress was spun around, her feet sailing off the ground and her arms wrapping around Daxia so very tight. And then there was a kiss wich created cheeks as red as tangled crimson locks.

"... this is ..."

Kisa gasped, shaky on her feet.

" ... silly?"

Burying her head in the Dayalan's shoulder she whispered, muffled but bright.

"You always surprise me."

Looking up, the young woman rested her chin on her companion's shoulder, finally deciding to speak.

"I am not a pet. But I am cared for.

"In the end, thats all that matters, da?"

Though Darian was, by far, not the only disgruntled voice in the square.

"No smooshing our Monster-Lady!"

Needless to say, amidst the bustle of food and furniture, a tangle of initiates did not go unnoticed. Children are both immortal and fearless; Kay found as many small hands pulling her off Romana as Romana found pushing her up.

"Are you squooshed?"

"You dance real real bad."

"Wait, I get to sit next to her!"

"No you don't."

"Why not! I helped her up! That makes me a Hero!"

"You are still a stinky boy!"

"AM NOT! I had a bath! I did. Really. Honestly. Truth. This morning. I am NOT lying!"

Dusting herself off Kay shook her head.

"HUSH! or I'll send you to the kid's table! I'll sit next to her!"

"No you won't!"

"Gawk?"

"No Smooshers allowed!"

Romana found herself herded to the table.

Resigned, Kay walked to the head of the table and from a very small servant retrieved her spear.

"Did good. Danks."

She turned around and walked back along the line of the table, reaching over a tailor's shoulder to requisition a big roll that she broke almost in half ... and then from one of Darcy's young rakes - since he obviously wasn't looking, used her roll clamshell to snare a hunk of venison. She ended up standing, a step away from the table, where she could look down upon an easterner and her impromptu retainers - who argued amoungst themselves as fervently as they vied for the white haired Atteran's favor.

"Kids."

She wasn't much older than they were, a far off midsummers ages ago. before she was taken from her home. She wrapped one of her arms around her tall spear, leaning upon it hard. She took a big, deep bite of her makeshift sandwich.

"I wish you could see this, Lily-kins."

She kept her watch, second shield bearer from the right, as one of daughters of Talantal finally succumbed to a very long morning and slept with her head in a monster's lap.

"Maybe .. just maybe ...

"Everything was all worth it."

Bekkah

She let the big man escort her to the table noticing Darcy and MArcy who seemed to be enjoying themselves. She'd certainly had a Midsummer's she'd never forget.

"Thank you sir." she said a smile when he offered her drink.

She waved him away when he apologized about his conversation.

"I could entertain you with the effects of various herbs good and bad." she said laughing.

"Tell me this sir. First your name and secondly where you learned to dance so well."

"For my part, I am Bekkah Yurisdotter, and the redhead down at the other end with the sword on her hip is my baby sister. All the family I have in the world."

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Afternoon, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and a Blacksmith, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth and an Innkeeper's Wife.

The blacksmith straightened a bit, the shift bumping shoulders with his companion, in a companionable manner.

"I must admit that the length and breath of my knowledge of plants rests with being able to recognize the difference between prickle and itchy-root, that allo is good for burns and you can add sheep sorrel to a salad."

He then smiled and properly poured Bekkah a tall mug of ale as he made sure her plate was filled first.

"That is a very pretty name; its from up east, isn't it? Near the mountains?"

He then leaned back, his brow raising just a bit.

"Definitely from the mountains. I've got that farmergirl's destrier in my stalls getting new shoes."

He nodded past Daxia and Kisa to the Koromov captain.

"Dancing? That's easy. Three younger sisters. And me? I'm mostly called Smith.

"My given name is Finnian.

"You can call me Finn."

Bekkah

Once he had his own ale, she held up her mug to his.

"To new friendships." she said offering a toast to him.

"Yes, indeed. I'm impressed. My sister and I are from Danwview, well to the NorthEast, although I have not been home in many years. My calling has led me to almost every village imaginable. And that is the secret of my dancing knowledge. I do not think of myself as a noble lady. I have always believed I am a Healer for the People."

"That's what made your challenge humorous to me. I hope it was a pleasant surprise Finn." she added her blue eyes sparkling.

Kadri, Mikal in tow, looks around ... Then moves towards tray.

"Lord Tray ... If I might ... I would have a ... Request ... To make of you?"

Darian

The Hunters eyes slipped back and forth between Dazi and Kisa resting of course on Dazi as the red head spoke. Her eyes and nose scrunched up as she listened. Dazi she understood better than the other.

One thing was certain.

"Darian, Longtooth need ale, food."

She glanced back once more to see the Rhoni trying to sidle away. She frowned, a Pack member would do no such thing. But he was not a Pack member; he was Rhoni.

She let out a frustrated noise, gave Dazi and Kisa a nod then turned on her heel.

"Longtooth," she chuffed, calling him to her side, and strode towards Cesare catching up quickly. She tapped him lightly in the back of the head.

"Cesare head rock."

Daxia Yurisdotter

Dazi looked at the Korie lord, trying not to smile too much. The little one called Mouse answered him with only nods; Tray didn’t seem to be enthusiastically rejoicing at the appointment.

“Well, m’lord... you did leave the chamber. So they packaged you up right well, and slipped a pretty bow on the package, too.” The Dayalan shrugged. “The Heir thought it fair enough, as you quite cleverly removed your predecessor from the position.”

Her eyes darted in Kay’s direction, and she muttered to herself, “How is one to keep Korie happy when none of them can agree on what makes them happy? Maybe long ago Kories agreed on more?”

Nodding to Darian, she simply said, “Yah. Ale, food... good.” She watched Darian head in Cesare’s direction, catch up to him, and did not snicker. No. Not even a little. Maybe a little.

Dazi looked then between the two Nobles, shaking her head as she exclaimed, “HA! I’m beginning to think I should trust Dom Dominie about as far as I could throw him, which I’ve been told is probably a bad idea. Or was that just skewing him? Well, in either case, the rapscallion is a fine storyteller, and there seems to be no distinction to him between truth... and half-truth... and wild imagination.”

She looked at her Temple sister, and refrained from giggling in response to Dandy’s displeasure at not being able to hang the youngest Korie lord from the rafters. Her eyes followed the direction that Captain Koromov’s took... but added Darian to her gaze.

“Perhaps if the two offended by his actions require assistance in hanging him...?” she suggested.

She laughed with true joy at Kisa’s question.

“This is just one silly thing. I’ve been told — once or twice, or so many times I’ve lost count — that I think too much. Can you even imagine such a thing?” she asked the blushing Heir with mock indignation.

Dazi smiled at Kisa’s quiet whisper, and nodded to her more publicly spoken words.

“I am your Knight, m’lady,” she said with a wink, “as your Favor continues to remind me each and every day. I believe I am required to surprise you. On occasion. In ways that m’lady finds pleasing.”

The Knight of Dawnview Castle closed her eyes for a moment, nodding slowly. Sometimes knowing too much history — even if it was distorted with ambiguity and lacking in facts and important details — made possibilities for the present seem all the more terrifying.

“Da.” Daxia smiled at Kisa as she opened her eyes. “You are very much cared for... it is not your Knight’s duty, but your friend’s honor and joy to keep your heart warm... and never let even the barely hint of ice near you.”

The Starrider’s eyes sparkled in Her light... perhaps at another time, in another place, before the world beyond Snowgate Pass had taught her hard and harsh lessons, she might have allowed tears to form and fall. Even the conversations from fifth ring to first should have brought tears to her eyes, though for different reasons. Today, she merely looked into Kisa’s eyes, memorizing each discrete feature of her beloved’s face — from the curl of her eyelashes to slightly crooked way she smiled when she was truly happy, from the dimple on one side of her mouth to the light scattering of freckles barely noticeable across her nose.

“And you, Kisa’shka, make me sometimes wish I was but an ordinary swordswoman, destined for nothing greater than perhaps the Captain of your Guard.” She chuckled. “Kassia wouldn’t even bother to call me a cobble block for that... she’d just throw something at my head. Ah, but I am the partner of the Greatest Font and Hub of All Knowledge, and I get the impression that those of us who have caught the attention of a unicorn are simply not allowed to be ordinary. It’s likely against the rules that I know nothing about, but that Morning Star will be Gracious and Magnanimous enough to share with me.” She paused, tilting her head. “Yes, I believe that’s a new one... gracious.”

The hubbub surrounding Romana and Kay could not help but catch her attention. She managed to hide her surprise at Romana allowing herself to be pushed and pulled, though just barely. Yes, they were all just children... but she quite clearly remembered Romana strongly implying that anyone who got close to her was in danger. As good as dead, Dazi had thought at the time. Still, they were just children. And Romana did look a bit ill at ease.

Odd, wasn’t it, that Romana had been as terrified of her — a Dayalan Initiate hardly older than the Princess herself — as she had been of the Eastern soldiers and mage following her? And now, a few months later, there was Morning Star’s assertion that Romana seemed almost mesmerized by Dayalans? Certainly drawn to them.

Perhaps it wasn’t the fascination with Order that Daxia had initially thought. Perhaps was something as simple as... well, Dayalans were safe. Taught that all things from the East were evil, yes... but more than capable of defending themselves and those they swore to protect, even to their own deaths if it came to that. Even with the protection Romana had before she set her Friends free, it was a dangerous kind of protection on this side of the Black Mountains. And beyond that, there was the safety of women who swore oaths of celibacy and respected the peculiar boundaries Romana set... for far different reasons than honorable men would.

True, Lady Attera now offered her the same protection She gave all the women in Her order... and traveling with, learning from Bekkah was possibly the safest place Romana could be if certain Dayalans were occupied elsewhere. Bekkah liked to deny it — not that Dazi could blame her, really — but she was very much loved by the people of the Tarn. Still, sometimes it was good to have a sword and spear you could trust if a situation turned ugly.

However, Daxia was watching Kay even more closely...

Noting her surprise — and was that disappointment? — at being excluded from Romana’s entourage...

Feeling a sense of pride in her little Sister when she praised the wee lass who had kept such good care of her spear...

Smiling softly at Kay’s stealth and practicality at snaring a meal...

And finally, seeing the youngster’s fierce determination in standing guard over Romana.

“I think I’m going to make up a new rule about proper Dayalan behavior, maybe,” she whispered to Kisa as she moved to tuck the Heir’s arm in the crook of her own. “Do assist me, my Lady, in educating the poor, dear children.” She sighed dramatically. “Yes, I suppose we do need more of us outside the Vale. No one seems to know our customs. Not even the ones I’m about to make up!”

She led Kisa down the length of the table to stand near Romana and Kay, catching Kay’s comments as she approached. She addressed her Initiate, her expression grave.

“Shield-bearer, I see you have ceded your right and proper place at the side of Lady Romana to these young ruffians. Very noble of you, Squire.” Daxia forced away other, darker, thoughts... pushed away the emotions those thoughts carried... and managed to feign a hidden smile.

Her gaze slid to the child on the side of Romana who was awake. “And look at you, sitting beside the Lady, where her Protector should be on a Festival Day. Such a lucky youngling you are! You know that Miss Kay was really protecting Lady Romana from getting stepped on, yes? Not purposefully... what was the delightful word I heard you using? Squooshed? An excellent word, young miss. But no, no... it’s certainly not something my Squire would do on purpose. She might not be the best dancer you’ll see today, but she is definitely the best shield woman you will ever see in all your whole life, I don’t doubt. Certainly the best I’ve seen. She even saved my life one time, so I trust her to keep Lady Romana safe.”

The elder Dayalan looked at the empty space — just barely enough room for her and Kisa to squeeze in among a throng of children. But it was very nearly the best place to be on this fine day, for Bekkah was seated across the table chatting with her handsome dance partner.

“Would my Lady care to join me among the ruffians?” she asked Kisa, grinning. Glancing back at the children, she looked wide-eyed... affecting a surprised look... and possibly looking a little silly in the process.

“Oh, goodness, I hope you don’t mind if my friend, Dama Kisa, and I sit here with you, do you?” Letting her hand slip into Kisa’s, she bent down to whisper to a couple of the children. “See the pretty Lady of Attera across the table? She’s my big sister. If we, Kisa and I, can sit with you, then I’ll be able to tease her about that handsome man she’s been dancing with. Do you have big sisters or brothers you like to tease? Kisa is a little bit shy, and it’s my job to protect her just like Miss Kay protects Lady Romana. It would be so nice of you to let us join you.”

She straightened and let the youngsters work it out among themselves what the pecking order might be. There always was one... that held true among all children she’d ever met. She’d always been an outsider... and so had Kisa, for different reasons. She found children fascinating.

In small doses.

She stepped back slightly, twisting a bit so she could lean in close and whisper to Kay but not need to let go of Kisa’s hand.

“Lily-kins is one of the stars that shines each night, little Sister; I believe she knows. And perhaps our Sisters who’ve gone before us can see through our Lady’s eyes during the day.

“And yes. Yes, every sacrifice we make is worth the cost if we defend the defenseless, if we honor our Lady. We buy time, Kay. Lily-kins and your Sisters bought time for the Knights of Roth. And in saving Romana, I bought what I hope is a great deal of time for us to recover enough before the East rises again. You are here for a reason that perhaps only Dayala knows now. But you have done very well.

“Very well indeed, Kay. I’m proud of you. And Lily Allaine, whichever Star she might be, is too.”

She turned back to the children, to see how they’d arranged themselves so she and Kisa could squeeze in, hugging Kisa in the process.

And yes, quite likely to give Kay a chance to have a moment with her own thoughts for Lily.


[OOC: Just so you know, O GM, this was written LONG before the PM in which Kisa and Dazi have a similar conversation. Also, FYI for the newcomers, we’ve all cleared off before you get to Tray.]

Cesare

Wrapped in his own thoughts with all the noise and bustle of Midsummers around them, he is surprised at the tap on his back and turns swiftly, ducking as he sees Darian.

This time though she speaks to him, though he is not quite sure what she is saying. Is she somehow saying it is his fault?

His instinctive reaction is anger, coupled with a desire to lash out - at least verbally. His eyes narrow, his face set but as he sees her.. and the memories of all the times they have shared over the months come flooding in, he knows he cares for her more than he has ever cared for any other female he has been involved in.

He takes a deep breath, swallows his pride - at least for a moment - and decides that truth, despite what it might cost him personally is probably the best way to salvage something he believes is worth salvaging.. even if he isn't sure right now what Darian wants...

"I've missed you"

Mikal

He turns the corner and enters the street outside the inn just ahead of Kadri, still slightly annoyed from the encounter with Talia Montague. Had he not been contracted to Kadri he may very well have taken Tali over his knee and given her the spanking she richly deserved, and to heck with the repercussions.

Approaching the inn, and seeing the midsummer festivities removes that annoyance, at least temporarily. He pauses, to one side, to not block the street and takes in those present and their activities.

He sees Bekkah, and Romana. Cesare and Darian. And the others. He sees Daxia scoop up Kisa and whisper with her and then turn to say something to Kay.

He sees Captain Dandy standing to one side, arms folded and slightly scowling and he moves directly over to her.

Stopping in front of her, he offers his best peasant bow and says. "Where I grew up it was considered bad luck to scowl such as that on Midsummers. I have been told I am a decent dancer. At least I have never had any complaints and I don't step on toes." He holds out his right hand, palm open. "Might I have a dance?"

Where he grew up it was unheard of to refuse an offer to dance on Midsummer's, but he doesn't know Dayallan customs so he isn't quite sure of the response.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Afternoon, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and a Blacksmith, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth and an Innkeeper's Wife.

"Well, of course, one hears tales ..."

Finn smiled as he tapped mugs with Bekkah,letting her rest comfortable next to him. The ale was cool, the food hot and delicious and the servings those not of fancy fourth ring taverns but farmhouse sized.

"I prefer, however, meeting the tales face to face. They are always more real.

"Now, in my trade - I could be working the third and fourth rings of this city. But I prefer here, the first. No, I don't get to travel the length and breath of the mainland...

"On the other hand, I have Winnifredrica in my stalls, Nightmare and Darkmane have passed through, Sir Kevin's and his Squire's ... more Marrennen than you can shake a coin purse at ... when I lean upon the rails before my smithy, I see the length and breath of the mainland pass by me.

"Sometimes I get to dance.

"And then its a very good day."

As for Mikal, his entreaty was met by a quirked brow and a still crossed arms.

"You missed the passion play, laddie. And I've always called them as I see them. As for you ..."

Hr shoulders rose and fell.

"Your timing has always been a bit off. That said, let's see if they have any Amber here, requisition some rare venison and snare some fresh bread to dunk in the gravy.

"And find a bench ... which might not be the hardest task at the moment. When She falls a bit and the afternoon cools, the minstrel's will start up again.

"Then we can dance."

For Kadri, especially for Kadri, Kathi stood quietly behind the Korie Lord, drawing herself up properly, before her Young Master's brother and his wife. Tray looked up from where he sat, taking a small sip of his drink.

"It's Midsummer's ... what do you wish?"

He then gave Daxia a look, just a look.

"I had forgotten that tactic. Too much Horses and Castles and not enough courtly subterfuge"

A brief exchange, before the Dayalan and Heiress swept themselves away.

"My Knight ..."

Kisa walked quietly next to Daxia, as they slipped down the long table towards their other companions. To one side, just beyond the tangle serving folks and those partaking the feast - those serving and those not trading back and forth - Darian and Cesare continued in their own conversation and explanations.

Kay raised her head when Daxia approached, returning a nod for the wrpds.

"Danks ..."

She looked up a bit, covering her eyes with a hand held flat as she looked towards Her light.

"Lily-kins always did say the stars sparkle brightest upon a Midsummer's night. I think ... I think we just have to believe that, ja?"

Romana, however, had a different reaction to the consequences of Daxia's speech.

" .... eeeeeeeeeessshki!"

Romana eeked. The eek was the unexpected result of a Dayalan's query - one was that just watched by Kisa, her emerald eyes very sharp. A scholarly investigation of the dynamics of children.

"No! Go away! She's our Nice Monster Lady!"

"Shouldn't You be standing behind Her ..."

"Sister? She'd your sister? But she's so pretty!"

"My sister makes me eat broccoli."

The eep came when the children made their decision. Aye, they did make room for Daxia and Kisa at the table. By seeing how many they could fit in Romana's lap or snugged up against her. Romana swallowed, hard, her expression one of confusion.

"Right."

Kay observed from where she stood, leaning on her spear.

"Like you didn't see that coming."






<< apologies for the week ... sick computer ... should be back by Monday >>

Daxia Yurisdotter

“Da. And I believe it,” the Starrider assured her Initiate. “While one or two of the priestesses might have said I had an excessive amount of imagination for believing that the Stars celebrated Midsummers along with us, as Verchovai Kassia never called me a cobble block on those occasions I took that to mean... I wasn’t necessarily wrong.”

Though she could not pay attention to Bekkah and her dancing partner, a single word that he said did catch her attention. She tucked that little tidbit away for later. Perhaps much later, as it could well lead to another lengthy, and likely confusing, conversation with His Magnificence. Daxia chose, instead, to focus on the children. Addressing each of them... each of their very important concerns.

“Your Nice Monster Lady?! Goodness, it’s hardly even been half the day, and already the Lady has been claimed.” Dazi shook her head in what could have been disbelief. “You all are quite clever.”

She looked at another child who spoke up, and nodded. “Yes, most days I should stand behind her. And you’re absolutely right about that. Festivals days are different, though... ya? And besides, we’re family. Fullhand or more times sideways cousins or something.”

Dazi needed to bend down to the next little one’s level to look across the table at Bekkah. “I know. She’s one of the prettiest Ladies I’ve ever seen, and sometimes it’s hard to believe she’s my sister. We don’t look even a little bit alike.” She looked at the child. “Well, except we both have blue eyes, like our Mama. I do try to be as nice as she is, though. But she’s so nice, too, that it’s hard!”

Looking at the other little one, the redhead nodded. “My sister didn’t, but my teacher made me eat broccoli. Bleeeh!” She pretended to shudder. “But I started liking it once I became a grown up. So I think it’s really grown up food, and children should never, ever have to eat it. Nobody listens to me about broccoli, though. Or a lot of other things either.”

When the children made room for them, Dazi looked at Romana as she sat down. She looked at all the children laying claim to her friend, then the confused look on the Easterner’s face.

“Romana okay.”

It was not a question; it was a statement of fact.

“Children not hurt Romana.

“Romana not hurt children.

“Kay... Dazi... all here... not let anyone hurt children. Or Romana.”

She smiled a smile Romana had seen several times before. It was a happy, sad, wonder-filled smile that said, as Dazi had once tried to explain, If Dazi could hug Romana, and both Dazi and Romana stay safe from Romana’s nightmares, then Dazi would hug Romana. Dazi can’t, so Dazi just give Romana hug with smile.

“Happy Midsummers, Romana. Dazi think if Mother see Romana now, Mother say, Proud of you, Romi. Dazi say, too.”

She just looked over her shoulder at Kay, grinned broadly and winked, before turning her attention to her dearest, most beloved friend. Family style, reach and grab dining was probably not something Kisa had much experience with, so Dazi made sure there was ale in both mugs — as well as a mug for Kay when she decided to slake her thirst — and plenty food on both plates. Oh, perhaps there was some giggling over one thing or another... perhaps there was a whispered endearment or two... and there was very definitely a Dayalan sitting as close as humanly possible to an Heiress while still allowing them to eat and drink.

One of the giggles preceded a comment regarding Kisa’s observation of the children. “There’s no point in trying to figure them out,” she whispered. “As soon as you think you do, they’re off in a different, highly improbable direction.” She glanced at all the little ones, then cocked her head slightly up the road they’d traveled from the Fifth Ring. “You know... if I was told that the sisters of His Magnificence watched over children, I would not be the least bit surprised.”

She thought back to a particular day — it seemed so long ago now — when she’d come to a hard realization sitting in the Dayalan Temple in Dawnview Vale.

No... it wouldn’t surprise her at all.

Eventually, though, she looked across the table with a bright smile and happiness in her eyes once again.

“Hoi, Bekkah! I saw some of your dancing,” she said, glancing between her sister and the man with her. “You get better every year, and I’m only the tiniest bit jealous... not even enough to tease you horribly. Who is your partner, about whom songs should be written for his ability to keep up with you?”

Kadri:

"If I go traveling, I have fears that ... certain people who may be annoyed with me over recent events ... might be inclined to take things out on those who are in my - and Dominic's - service. They are good people, and deserve much better than that, and I would not see them hurt by my absence ..."

She pauses for thought for a moment.

"Is it possible." she pauses a moment. "That you could do me the favor of allowing me to ... lend ... you my staff when I am absent? As far as I can tell, they are comfortable with you, and I think you like them. And I believe it would be better they are gainfully employed with a purpose - and someone present to look after their best interests then to be set adrift in my - in our - absence. I would not see them hurt. Because -"

She pauses.

"Because in that case I might find myself forced to do something impolitic. And perhaps we do not want that? Because when I choose to be impolitic -"

She smiles wryly.

"It can be a doozy."

"I do not know, have not met you as such - yet to hear Domini speak of you. I trust you"

Bekkah

She listened to him talk, more impressed with the man than before. There was a grace of spirit within the man. A nobility in fact. Something she would not say to him. Like her the word carried a negative connotation at times.

"You intrigue me more and more Finn." she said gracing him with a beautiful smile and a slight movement that put her even closer to the man if that was possible.

She smiled as Dazi sat across from her. In answer to her question, she introduced Finn.

"This my dear sister is Finn, blacksmith to the people and master dancer. Finn, meet my baby sister Daxia Yurisdotter. Dazi to me. One of the true greatest joys in my life." she said looking adoringly at her younger sister.

Daxia Yurisdotter

Dazi chuckled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Finn. Bekkah doesn’t exaggerate about the master dancer title, as I’ve never seen anyone keep up with her.” She winked. “She cheats, you know. And I’d think a master blacksmith, too, if Katshka Kirillsdotter trusts Darkmane to your care. And Winnifredrica is Fred, yes? So you have Captain Koromov’s trust, too!”

She tilted her head, resting it for a heartbeat against Kisa’s, before saying, “This is my friend Kisa... the one over here covered in children is Romana... and the fierce one behind us is Kay. Our friends.”

Dazi looked at Bekkah again and giggled. “I’m one of the greatest joys in Bekkah’s life,” she said to Finn as she snatched a chunk of carrot from Kisa’s plate, “only when I’m not getting myself hurt. Then I’m the naughtiest sister she’s ever met, and she scolds me. So I try very, very hard not to get hurt.”

She grinned at Bekkah as she popped the carrot in her mouth, and the entire time — granted, only a handful of heartbeats — she chewed and swallowed. Then she looked between Kisa and Bekkah several times, as she held Kisa’s hand.

“I’ve sure missed spending Festival days with you, Bekkah! You’re so gushy-mushy — Midwinters past was strange and doesn’t count — and I love you to bits.”

Looking a Kisa, hearing her Partner’s words echoing through her mind, she gave Kisa a dazzling smile. “I’m so happy that you’re here. I’m not as gushy-mushy as Bekkah — and you hush back there, Miss Kay — but...”

Daxia wasn’t exactly speechless, it was more a matter of having so very much to say and not even knowing where to start. She’d written to Kisa, of course, but that wasn’t the same thing as speaking the words of her heart to her beloved. She nodded once, looking at Kisa’s bright green eyes, before looking up and down the table.

Lord Tray was talking with Kadri; poor Dean didn’t look like he quite knew what he was supposed to be doing.

Cesare and Darian talking off to the side.

Dandy and Mikal heading for... a tavern? Oh, now there was a good idea! Food before dancing.

Romana trying to come to grips with her covering of children.

Kay... ah, Kay. There were far worse people to have watching your back than a Koromov.

Common town folk, so alike and so different from others she’d met from Dawnview to Cragside to Bordertown to Talantal.

Sighing contentedly, she leaned her shoulder lightly against Kisa’s. “It is a good day.”

She picked up her roll and began tearing it in half before Kay could make it disappear, and looked at Bekkah again. “Isn’t it funny, Bekkah, in all those letters we wrote back and forth that we never even entertained the idea we’d wind up traveling together?” She looked sidelong at Kisa and chuckled.

“Why didn’t we ever think of that? It’s brilliant!”

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Later in the Afternoon, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and Finn, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth.

The red haired scholar tilted her head, listening to the conversation and bright words dashing back and forth across the table. A hand rose, to slowly draw back a stray lock or two from her face, as Kisa considered, considered matters most seriously.

And then, without a word but with a small smile, carefully transferred the carrots from her plate to Daxia's. Not all, but most. She herself worried a piece of venison, with a sharp little black dagger, befitting a noble lady of course - but then, on a commons table, there is a saying that there's nothing that can't be et with anything more.

Which, however, made soup a challenge.

"Well met, master Blacksmith. I think we saw each other when I came into the city; it is good to meet under better circumstances."

She took up a piece a piece of bread and dunked it into the gravy, giving her companion a slow look. She could not help but smile, seeing Daxia in country airs.

"My Knight."

And then it was as if she were looking through Daxia, to somewhere else, somewhere far off.

"My Knight ... "

"Temple Knight Number One ...."

For a moment there was a hint of silence around this small gathering. Even Romana looked up, blinking across, glancing between Daxia and KIsa.

"I think ... I think my sister, I think my cousin should have their own Knights."

Dawnview. Snowgate. Glacier. All things in threes. Kisa Allaine then shook her head back and forth, her long full locks dancing over her shoulders. When she continued to speak her words were much lighter, much more to the matters at hand.

"Dazi ... this is the best meal I've had .... since a picnic in an orchard."

Across the way the Blacksmith nodded in return.

"Well met indeed. An yes, I think we did."

Finn then leaned against Bekkah, taking a moment to tuck her in closer - which elicited a startled GASP from Darcy, across the way, and a giggle from the more earthy Marcy. He could not help but raise a brow, offer an almost rakish grin, as if he somehow knew exactly how much trouble he was in - one false word and he'd be in trouble with both sisters.

"I think ..."

He began, turning to focus his attention on the Lady at his side.

"I think Midsummers is one of the best thoughts since the First Tree.

"When else could a simple village-born blacksmith share the company of three Dawnview ladies fair? Sisters with eyes the color of the summer sky, when can a commoner speak with a Noble, when can children find company in a lap unexpectedly soft, or a Lord and his servants share a joke with those of the First Ring?"

He tapped Bekkah lightly on the head, nodding to her and her ... three initiates.

"A day when we don't have to take up the roles the world places on us, and just enjoy our own company from sunrise to sunrise."

Further down the table, at its end, where a Korie Lord held the most informal of Courts, Tray listened to Kadri's requests. In truth he was more interested in listening to the people around him chatter - about the harvest - about goods coming and going through the gates - of the differences between each watch - about who was fancying who and how oblivious young men can be - complaints about taxes - and taking a cue from Kathi, who had made a small plate of bread, cheese and vegetables, which with Tray's aid, eventually vanished beneath the table.

"Of course I'll look after them ... it's not like ..."

For a moment Dominic's brother fell suddenly silent. His brow furrowed as he continued.

"You got into an argument with Dame Talia, didn't you. She's the only member of the Keep who hasn't been here long enough enough to know ...

"To some they may be the least of those in the Keep's employ. But you never harm them. My other brother once made a totally inappropriate advance on ..."

Behind Tray, Kathi's face suddenly went bright red and she looked at the ground. Tray kindly did not finish that sentence.

"The next day he was as white as death. He refused to tell why.

"So my dear sister ... you may be a doozy.

"But so is my brother.

"What is more important, however, is to keep Dame Talia more interested in other matters. You didn't focus her attention on them or anything else, did you?"

Beneath a tumble of children, Romana caught a hint of Tray's words and in response she swallowed.

The white haired Easterner decided it was better to look down at those who filled her lap. It was an odd juxtaposition, for a handful of steps away Darian and Cesare were also focused on the consequences of coming too close, too soon. Here, however, Romana slowly, shyly, quietly, reached down. With one hand she stroked a light locked lass's hair, hesitant at first, then more and more soft, more comfortable. The girl stirred only a bit, lost in her siesta, but she did sleepily smile.

A few heartbeats later, Romana rubbed her eyes with her free hand.

A little farther down the long table, with a very un-farmer girl lift, Dandelion Koromov snared the collar of an unsuspecting miller's son, lifted him up like a mother cat might a kitten and deposited him a foot or so to the side, making room for two more on the bench. Taking one of the places she drew out her own long dagger and speared an ex-goose drumstick. She then nodded to Mikal,

"You are brave enough to ask me to dance?

"But not brave enough to sit and eat?"





At the end, when Daxia looked back down ...

The other half of her bread was missing.

If the Dayalan glanced back over her shoulder she would catch her dark haired Initiate rubbing crumbs from her lips with the back of her hand.

"What?"

Mikal

He starts, noting that the music he'd heard earlier was now gone. Face flushing a bit red in embarrassment. He nods to Dandy, taking the seat next to her and reaching for some ale and venison.

"I was distracted", he says. "I'd been meaning to ask you to dance since midwinter's."

Daxia Yurisdotter

She smiled happily at the gift of carrots. While her fondness for carrots could never rival His Magnificence’s fondness for apples, as a mere mortal she did make the best effort possible. In addition to the smile, Kisa received a companionable nudge — shoulder to shoulder — in thanks.

But eyebrows raised higher and higher as Kisa spoke of Knights and such, then looked thoughtfully at the Heiress of Dawnview. “Knights of the sort your own Knight is — one who does not gallivant about the mainland but rescues folks, breaks curses, defends the defenseless, and in general tries to make the world a better place? Such an interesting thought,” she mused. “We are few, but I happen to know that such a Knight — in training still, but she’s quite clever — stands behind us.”

Daxia sipped her ale as she watched Kisa from the corner of her eye, though she, too, almost seemed to be looking at something else.

“You know,” she said as she put the mug down, “sometimes you do need to point at the place where I should look, but that is quite an interesting Path, m’Lady.” The last was said almost teasingly, though the entire thought was lightly said, befitting the day. “Such an interesting discussion we can have later!”

She poked Kisa’s arm gently. “But I rather prefer names to numbers, thank you very much. ‘Temple Knight Number One’ indeed!” Dazi giggled. “Why, it sounds unnaturally pretentious... as if I am trying to match my Partner’s reputation, which is not possible, I promise you.”

But then she smiled softly, remembering the far too infrequent orchard rendezvous for picnics that so often turned into informal lessons.

“Da, our hostess has a fine squad of cooks, and the company...” She looked up and down the table, her eyes resting slightly longer on her sister before returning to Kisa. “The company could not be finer.”

Looking between Heiress and Blacksmith, the Knight tilted her head slightly. “You had a less than auspicious first meeting? Is it a story worth sharing?”

As the Blacksmith tucked Bekkah closer to him, the only thing that kept Dazi from giggling at the Atteran twins’ gasp was the look on Bekkah’s face. Their Path had not been an easy one since the sisters had reunited in Cragside, and she’d seen too many shadows cross her sister’s face. If there was anyone deserved all the happiness in the world, it was her big sister. Oh, the Dayalan was well aware that perpetual happiness was impossible, and would be a curse if it was possible. But to her younger sister, Bekkah was a quiet hero, the sort for whom ballads are never written.

“Aye, though I’ve always thought our eyes were more the color of the deepest part of Sapphire Lake,” she said softly, an arm slipping around Kisa’s waist. “Midwinters is also one of the finest thoughts ever thought, at least in Dawnview Vale. Ah, the sight of Her Light dancing on the snow like fine crystals...”

She blinked, then whispered, “She stands on columns finely carved and laced with softest gold, marble of warmest honey spun and wrapped with crystal cold.”

Dazi looked at Kisa, as if there was an answer in her face to a question she couldn’t even articulate.

“I don’t know why that song speaks to me, and I’m not sure what it’s saying.”

She shook her head and sighed, then reached for her mug of ale. Hiding her smile when she noticed the missing bread, she finished her ale and set the mug down again. The blacksmith was right. Midsummer and Midwinter let commoner, Noble and Imperial be simply people. Dazi had some inkling of how difficult the lives of the Nobles could be, more than many at any rate. And even she did not know the full weight that Kisa carried; she only knew that she eased the burden by being her Knight and, most importantly, her friend.

Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Kay wiping away the last traces of her stole bread, and also saw Romana’s hand rubbing her eyes.

“Oh, nothing,” she said in reply to the Initiate’s question. “Would you like some ale to wash that down?”

Turning back, she looked at the sleepy child’s smile... the other children... then Romana’s pale Eastern face.

“Pancakes.”

The sentiment covered everything the two of them had been through together since meeting that fateful day in a hidden glade off the Brementown Road, but perhaps especially for a trust shared and a promise made one night while sitting on a bale of hay watching barn cats mock fight.

Smiling, she turned her attention back to the scholarly Heiress.

“How long did you plan to remain in Talantal? Hmm, perhaps I should ask how long you plan to stay now that I and mine set the Council session slightly askew?”

Bekkah

She had no idea where this day would lead, she really didn't know where she wanted it to lead. The only thing she knew was that she was thoroughly enjoying herself, more so than she had in a while.

She met Finn's eyes and smiled.

"It is indeed a gift. If only we could go as we please with whom we please every day. But I know, such thoughts are unreasonable and perhaps we wouldn't enjoy a day such as this as much."

She looked at her sister and Kisa and she was so happy for Dazi. It had been a while since she'd seen Dazi smiling such as she was and that gladdened her own heart.

She looked at Romana then looked away before Romana noticed her looking.

*Nothing like children to break down all barriers* she thought.

Kadri:

"... She as much as threatened them, and also Brockman's. Sometimes my temper can get the best of me, and this may have been one of those times."

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Later in the Afternoon, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and Finn, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth.

"Since Midwinters ..."

Dandelion Koromov just smirked.

"Your timing really is horrible, isn't it."

Her hand reached out, to cover his mug before any ale could stain the insides.

"I said Amber ... amber ... amber ... oh there!"

With a wave she summoned one of the bartenders, one caught carrying a small brown cask. Between her fingers she waved four dull silver coins and those were the true attention getters. All were traded for the cask, from which she popped the bung and poured Mikal a rich, heady beer.

"There' a bar down in Talesan's Village that brews this. Four stars is cheap; it'll go for five times that up in Cragside or Corliss."

She poured herself her own mug, taking a deep draught before leaning back and wiping her lips with the back of her hand.

"Nectar of the Gods, laddie. Horses and Beer at the Sea's coast. There's a reason your Talesan made good his village there."

Across the way Kisa simply turned her head, burying it against Dazi' shoulder.

" ... so much for a well spent allowance."

Resting her chin on her knight's shoulder, Kisa considered the Dayalan's words.

"I'm not sure. A few days, at least; I would like to visit Lord Tray's library; and then there's my investment to keep track. A chance to learn about what lies behind the mountains Black, that tempts. It's like a path of tiles that ends up leaving of my room. Happens occasionally. Once I ended up in the kitchens. Mother was furious and a few days later she sent this girl up to my room.

"I wonder if I'd ever get another chance to see the sea.

"So I am not sure. Some days ... some days I sit on the branching of the path and enjoy considering the different journeys."

From across the way Finn shook his head, waiting for Kisa to finish before answering Daxia's question.

"Oh nothing of the sort; save that it was late in the evening when they arrived, I was closing up shop but had previously gotten word that a few more horses were coming in. Their shoes and board had been paid for and I suspect both the Miss and the Captain wanted to get to their bed much more than chat with their farrier."

He then returned his attention to Bekkah.

"And you ask how I was able to keep up. You speak true, days such as these are as rare as emeralds on a weaselwolf - so it is not a matter of not being able to keep up, but knowing that one cannot let good company go lacking."

At the end of the table, Tray frowned, nodding to Kadri.

"That's a trick, you know. Getting folks angry. A angry person often says or does things that are less than wise.

"Our worry now is that the only thing worse than a serpent in the garden ... is a serpent in the garden who has an agenda."

Which left only one last comment, a chuff of amused breath, from the younger Koromov.

"On watch. No drinks."

She did, however, reach out to dab the last of her confiscated bread in her teacher's gravy.

Daxia Yurisdotter

She chuckled at Kisa’s comment.

“It’s Midsummers, Kisa. And your allowance — and thank our Lady that Kassia taught me how to school myself in Court, for that comment nearly undid me! — was truly well spent, and has paid at least one dividend already.”

She listened to Kisa’s plans, her thoughts, and merely brushed her nose against Kisa’s when the blacksmith spoke again. For a moment, she could almost with for the vision of a bird, to be able to see from both sides of her head and look at both Kisa and Finn simultaneously. Politeness demanded that she turn her head — feeling nearly gushy mushy, and how strange was that? — to look at the blacksmith when he spoke.

“Simple and innocent, unlike so many of the dire encounters I’ve been treated to. That’s reassuring,” she said with a tiny sigh. Bekkah claimed his attention almost before Daxia finished speaking, causing the Dayalan to smile happily at her sister for a moment before giving her attention once again to Kisa.

“Mmm, libraries! I’m sure you’ll need a personal guard in such a dangerous place,” she said, trying not to giggle. “And that evening... no, I guess your Mother knew exactly what she was doing when she sent that girl up to your room. With even more tiles for you.

“Ah, Kisa, the world is so big and so small all at the same time! There are wonders like the Sea of Opals that I’ve yearned to see. There are curiosities to investigate, and always more questions than answers. There are, no doubt, more curses to break and Important Things To Do. A Rider and her Unicorn do not simply gallivant about, you know.”

She rolled her eyes at Kay as the youngster helped herself to the gravy on her plate.

“Oh, for goodness’ sake, Kay! If you can pilfer food from half the plates at the table, you can at least drink a mug of cider. Because it’s Midsummers and I said so.” Her eyes held her Initiate’s for a moment. “Now is not then,” she said softly, “and no one here will allow harm to come to Romana.”

She glanced down the length of the table to Lord Tray, who was speaking to Kadri. Sighing softly and shaking her head minutely at the Squire attending Kadri, she eyed Kay again.

“Perhaps you could instruct our good Squire in the fine art of food theft and other light hearted means of making mischief. He looks even more out of place than you or Romana.”

And then Daxia philosophically shrugged the shoulder not claimed by Kisa. Kay would do what Kay thought best. It wasn’t as if Dazi could order her to have fun.

“Is that what we’re doing?” she asked Kisa a moment later. “Sitting at the branching and considering the journeys?”

Possibilities were endless; there were, of course, things she wanted to do and places she wanted to see. There were mysteries to solve, knowledge to gain, suffering to soothe.

“I don’t think it really matters which Path I take, for many of them loop back to find others eventually. I think the best Path to take would be any that allow us to walk it together for a while.

“Even an Heiress ought to go on Walkabout at least once.”

Dazi did giggle then.

“The Captain has her Horde and her friend Harry has his Heavy Horse. Your Dazi has her ducklings who, for a while anyway, seem to think it perfectly fine to follow her wherever she goes. Come along with us. You’ll be in interesting company no matter where we go.”

Mikal

He returns the smile. Accepting the Amber and taking a long drink. Sighing in appreciation.

"Yes, it is. My timing I mean. Always has been. How do you think I ended up with this lot instead of fat and happy in a warm bed with a cute farmer's daughter?" He chuckles.

"This is really good." He takes another measured sip. "Can't afford this on a Lone Jvrillian's income."

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Later in the Afternoon, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and Finn, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth.

Captain Koromov took a second draught of her beer.

"Actually, laddie, you are looking at - what Duffy tells me - cart costs. You go down the Path to the shore and in the Amber Inn, its a handful of pennies a pint. That and their barmaid is adorable. She's probably ten or twelve by now, but I'll bet a keg of that beer against a crown of yours that she is still adorable."

She then gave the mercenary a suddenly stern and even look.

"The Mikailsson doesn't just raise horses. He trains them ... and their riders.

"He taught me. Duffy. Rafe. Harry. Barris."

She tilted her head and laughed.

"And if you ever wanted to watch a bunch of grown warriors try and out shine the other like a group of alley brat gang kids, that was the summer."

At the head of the table, Troy looked back to Kadri,

"Think about how rarely Dominic gets angry. Not very often, I suspect.

"Dominc often told me. Always save your best card for last.

"Often, I thought he was speaking of Miss Mouse ... now, now I'm not too sure."

Which let the conversation swing back to the two redheads, a snow haired lass and a gravy dunked bread stealing brunette. For a long while Romana let herself be distracted, by her small young wards and how soft their hair was, how easy it was to make a smile. She looked down, quiet and then straightened a bit. Sapphire yes took on a shade of steel, a simple and quiet realization.

"Mahtashka'al'Romanishkahs als'kanta kaer.

"Romanishkahs'hla'shesheenakiory ..."

One of the little ones peeked open an eye; and a handful of mothers and fathers nearby The adults, however, looked a bit worried - their gaze showing a hint of fright.

Then the kidlet yawned and whispered.

"That monster-lady talk? Sounds like ... singing ... want to be scary, learn to growl ..."

Romana blinked. Once, and then twice and looked down at the boy.

"Woof?"

"Monster-lady ... you don't make a very good wolf, do you ..."

"Apologies."

One of the mothers smiled. Then there were chuckles. It seemed Bekkah was correct about children. Kay simply shook her head and took a bite out of her bread, a big healthy farmer girl's bite.

"Out of place? Happen to believe this is a fine right place to be. And as for the squire, what he needs is either a good brawl or ... or ... or ... how did Lily-kins put it ... oh ja; ja ... ja ... ja ... he needs a tumble in the hay."

Kay tilted her head, considering Dean and then she let her gaze drift.

"... maybe the stuffy one over theeeeeeeere! Gawk!"

She barely had a moment to duck the hardroll Darcy, the stuffy one, threw at her. Of course the proper Initiate suddenly looked shacked and chagrined. Kay did manage to catch the second one that Marcy attempted, being a good supportive sister and all. She did chuckle, however.

"That weren't very lady like."

"I tried that once, you know ..."

Kisa looked to the side, at her Knight, before continuing.

"i once tried to throw a roll at a very stupid ambassador from ... well here. My Mother was extremely angry. She said it wouldn't help."

That, of course, got a very typical First Ring reaction.

"Silly girl."

"Of course not. You got to kick them in the backside."

"I'll drink to that!"

"You berk, you'll drink to anything ..."

The Allaine shrugged her shoulders, smiling just a bit, before returning to more serious matters.

"Da. A crossroads."

She then started, sudden and surprised, as she fished out a small pendant she wore beneath her tunic. She held it up, the silver metal glittering in the afternoon sun.

"You, know, of course, being a good Allaine daughter ... I am one of our patron's followers.

"If I did this ...

" ... walkabout ..."

"Would that make me ...

On the slender chain was a simple silver star.

"A wild Dayalan?"

Bekkah

This was the way the world was supposed to be every day. At least that's what the Atteran thought to herself as she smiled at the goings on around her.

"If only it could be Midsumer's every day Dazi. A woman could get very used to this." she said looking from Dazi to Finn and back with a satisfied smile on her face.

Little Brat

One of the children peeked his head up over the edge of the table, just to eye level, to look up to the pretty blonde Priestess.

"But then it wouldn't be special!"

Bekkah

She laughed.

"True, but it would still be fun. Wouldn't it Romana?" she said with a wink for her new apprentice.

"Any idea how long we'll be here Dazi?" she asked purposefully not looking up at Finn.

Kadri:

"... I can cede the point. Amber blood runs hot in my veins, and at times I still need to learn how to tell it to wait a little while longer. By the way, however, as I have not formally introduced myself to you .."

She offers her curtesy and 'formal greeting'.

"I am getting somewhat tired of doing such, but around here it seems expected, yes?,

Mikal

He ears perk up at the comments from Dandy. "Mikailsson is at the Amber Inn near the shore?"

Getting Talia, and himself, trained as a warhorse and rider would be a dream of his. He has a sudden thought that brings him up short.

"Probably more than I could afford, I suspect." He says, the disappointment clear in his voice. "Being a Lone Jvrillian doesn't pay well."

Darian

She cocked her head to the side, hearing in his words more than she expected.

"Darian gone one day, not handfull," she said, a tone of inquiry in her words. "Think Cesare drimk much ale. Darian, Longtooth need catch up."

Cesare

For a moment her words hang in the air.. but then he grins, nodding. After all it is Midsummers.

"Let's get back to the others and join the festivities."

Then he adds.

"But I am glad you are back."

Darian

"Good," she said but took a big step and turn to stand in front of him. "Cesare no pick up. Darian no child, no bird, no prey."

She softened her words with one of her rare smiles then took up his arm.

"Need ale."

Cesare

He smiles back, glad she seems to be fine with him again, but he is still left with the feeling that he has done something wrong, missed or understood something. This is confirmed as she speaks.. but he still doesn't understand.

He covers her hand with his as they start to move back to the others.

"Did I treat you as a child.. or as prey? If I caused offence it was not intended. You mean a lot to me Darian, more than perhaps I realised.. but I think of you as a strong independent woman, bright and brave."

His voice is low, even a bit hesitant. These are not the sort of words he has ever said before.

Daxia Yurisdotter

She smiled at Romana and her children. Well, perhaps it truly was the other way around. Romana was in the care and trust of this band of tiny warriors.

She snickered at Kay, at the two young Atteran Initiates, though she wasn’t sure either Kay or Lily-kins was right in this particular case. Young Squire Dean was... well, a bit of an enigma.

And she chuckled at Kisa’s admission — and the townsfolk’s reaction to it — regarding her own bread-throwing career.

“Well, it would appear your Mother was correct yet again. Though I suspect the recommendation of these fine folk would not have been helpful at the time, either.”

Daxia blinked at Kisa, and closed her mouth on the glib response she could have given. The Allaine Heiress asked a serious question; it was necessary for her Knight, a Starrider of Dayala, to give a serious answer. No, no... that wasn’t quite it. It was necessary for Dazi to give serious thought to her answer.

After a moment, she slowly nodded.

“While many would say no, I would say yes. You are a Wild Dayalan. But it would not be the journey that makes you a Wild Dayalan, Kisa.”

She looked down the table at Captain Koromov, in animated conversation with Mikal.

She considered Gilly... and Kassia... what she had heard about Poppy... what she surmised about Kori... and she looked back at her friend with a smile.

“We — you and I — have always been Wild Dayalans. We just didn’t know it. Kassia and Gilly knew, about me anyway. They made sure I could do what needed to be done... out here, beyond Snowgate Pass.

“And you cannot be the Snowqueen, for I’ve told you I’ll not allow it,” she added with a wink. “But you, too, can do what needs to be done. Perhaps you cannot kill a demon, but you came prepared to broker a settlement with Talantal. You were determined to do whatever it took to ensure that your people had food for the coming winter. Why, you even spent your allowance on that grand mercenary troop lead by my Temple Sister!

“And together — you and I — used our skills and talents to create a fairly peaceful alliance from what otherwise might have been an uneasy agreement.”

Dazi chuckled as she hugged Kisa. “Of course, you’re a Wild Dayalan! Silly Kisa. And Dawnview will be better for it, even though I still would like your Mother to remain Khorall for a very long time.”

She then smiled at her sister. “Oh, a few days, I would think. And after that...”

Looking around at all her companions, eyes lingering on Kisa for a moment, she sighed and breathed a prayer a thanks to her Lady for this small respite of peace. Dazi looked back at Bekkah and shrugged.

“...who knows?”

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and Finn, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth.

It took Romana a moment or two to look up, duty and friendship catching her attention - duty, in that her mentor had queried her, friendship because it was also one and the same in the Lady Bekkah.

"Find new ways to make it special ..."

She looked down to her fierce and siesta loagy protector.

"Make new friends Day, yesyesyes-ees-ess-ess-eeeeeeeeeek!"

Behind Romana, Kay simply chuckled. What did her charge expect, that such a statement would not elicit a sudden snugging and cacophony.

'Yea! Monster Lady's my friend! I claim her!

"No she's my friend! here Monster Lady, have a piece of cheese!

"She's a monster lady not a mouse!"

"Hey I was resting!"

"Stop that, I'm all comfy. Monster Lady's soft."

"I got a sparkly stone from the mill creek, isn't it pretty?"

"Where did my cheese go?"

"HOI!"

Finally the youngest Dayalan spoke up, addressing the tumbling children on the Easterner's lap. It did attract their attention; the sudden scolding from an older kid - though it took a few more moments for the lad offering a precious strawberry to take notice.

"Her name is not Monster Lady. Her name is Romana. Row-mah-nah."

The one with the strawberry blinked.

"Romana?"

Kay confirmed, giving the lad a fierce stare.

"Romana."

From her lap one of the girls looked up and squeezed tight, well as tight as a little one could.

"Romana. That's real pretty name."

"But I like Monster Lady ..."

"That's because you make us call you Weasel!"

"Weasel's a perfectly good name!"

"Wizzle good names. If shorts."

"See! Even Monster Laaaa ouch you pokeded me!"

"I'll tell."

Across Romana's lap two of the children gave each other fierce looks; one the self-named Weasel, the other a girl with long black hair who bore a him a slight similarity.

"Fine. Even Roooooooooow-mah-nah thingks its a good name! You still pokeked me."

"Sister's job."

Kay closed the discussion, agreeing with the fairer sibling, as she took a big bite of roll.

"Bloody straight."

Kisa's cheeks, however, were turning the same color as her silken locks, at the sudden hug. Crimson hair angle as she closed her eyes. She hugged back and then turned back around so she could wrap both arms around Daxia's and rest her head on her friend's shoulders.

"That's a scary thing, being a wild Dayalan. Maybe that's why there are so few. To be away from home and shelter, to know first hand what the world really is like beyond the safety of Snowgate Pass."

She then looked ahead, letting out a long breath.

"Maybe I should go with you to the sea. It will be my only chance, look and you can see that, can't you ..."

Her words were quietly serious,

"My Mother was never good at hiding her trials from me. I am thinking this was my last test.

"There is a word for passing it, I think, and passing with banners waving in the breeze.

"Bittersweet."


At the head of the table, Tray simply laughed.

"Lass, look where you are. First Ring of Grand Talantal. The poor quarter. The working folks quarter.

"it is also the largest of Talantal's great rings.

"And ... the most ... honest.

"How many curtseys do you see here?

"When the sun sets we shall all have to put our masks on again and take up the roles we have been assigned by fate.

"Honesty doesn't come easily to Dommy, but that is part of his charm.

"But I can' help but think that he found it easier to be himself here than in the fancy Keep of his Family.

"Maybe you should try it.

"Like this. Good afternoon, I'm Tray. I think you know my brother."

Further down the table, Dandelion touched mugs with Mikal, letting her shoulders rise and fall in a non-committal shrug.

"Not at the tavern, laddie. His farm's a quarters day's ride to the north. Nice place; expect to sleep in the hayloft, 'cause he starts his lessons before dawn. And tell him the truth - that Dandelion Koromov still owes you. Then you'll not have a problem; me and his daughter will square up when she brings us our next string.

"Though it is not a lesson that one can do in an evening; you get out of it what you put in.

She then looked across the way, noting the two estranged members of their little troop. The Rhoni and the Huntress. The Captain looked to he snarkhound and raised her mug to her lips, taking a slow sip across the brim of her mug.

"Poor lad. He's probably used to pursuing pretty gals ...

"But if that ruff is hers, she's a huntress. You don't pursue a huntress ...

"You let them catch you."

Kadri:

"Few enough, its true. And I find this damnable false smiles and daggers in the dark and courtesy used as a weapon much to my distaste. My upbringing, my ... "

A long pause.

"The place of my birth is much more direct, yes? I think I make a somewhat poor noble - "Dama Kadri djinn Khayriyah djinn Terilanquel al'Korie is perhaps less me than Kadri djinn Lisica al'Izgon. Still. I wonder if I could find a dance in this place?"

She gives a lopsided smile.

"I desperately feel the need to MOVE."

Daxia Yurisdotter

She simply tucked Kisa in close, silent for once.

Wild Dayalans...

Passing of a torch, a banner, a sword...

Bittersweet.

Aye. Bittersweet.

“It’s terrifying, but not for the reasons you think. I’m the only daughter of Dawnview who carries a sword beyond Snowgate Pass. Dandy is from Trundle, and all the rest — Kassia, Gilly, Poppy, Kori — are all born of the Tarn.

“There are few because we are few, and even fewer who know in their heart and mind that our best and most honest work is done outside the Vale.”

Daxia sighed.

“It’s terrifying because it is a greater responsibility. It’s terrifying because I must be the one to know what is right and what is wrong. I don’t have a Priestess to guide me.” She smiled softly. “I do have a Unicorn who has taken Kassia place, who calls me cobble block when I am foolish, who confounds me every bit as much, who has me fetching apples instead of carrying water buckets, and...”

It was Midsummers, and not a time for listening to the songs of sadness her heart wanted to sing. Gilly had said that the Unicorns kept Dayalan honest. She herself had told Tashka that until a Unicorn found her, she had only her heart to guide her. And yet, even though Morning Star found her on Midwinters eve, Daxia felt as though it was even more important than before that she follow her heart. Strange, that. So very strange.

“...and spins tales of days past that take my emotions on every journey possible.

“And it’s still terrifying. To be away from home? The Temple was my home, and without Kassia there it would seem like an empty home. We rarely lack for shelter; people are kind, Kisa, even if all they have to offer is a corner of their barn or a bit of floor in their home. To sleep under the gaze of our Sisters in fair weather is comforting, even if the ground is not particularly comfortable.”

She smiled, something between fond memories and bewilderment.

“I see it, Kisa. It seems less clear and stark to me, to say this is — without a doubt — your only chance to visit the Sea, but yes. It does seem quite likely.”

The Knight of Dawnview Castle and the Heir of Allaine...

Khorall Linnell could see well enough to know it was important to send a young Initiate to her daughter’s room one night with dinner, and the package of more Doublebluff tiles than any person needed.

The Second Witch of Dawnview was crafty enough to know just which Initiate to mold, to cajole, to badger into being the best she could possibly be.

Who could predict where hearts would go? But had the two of the cleverly maneuvered a daughter and a student into becoming this very force the world now had? Knight and Khorall, both Wild Dayalans?

Daxia was certainly cynical enough to believe it. Her friendship with Kisa was a lovely bonus.

Except... except to her, it was everything. Without Kisa’s friendship, what would her heart say? Without Kisa’s friendship, would she have done anything differently? No, probably not. But all of it would have been a series of hollow victories. And without her friendship, Kisa could well be the second Snowqueen.

She kissed the top of Kisa’s head.

“Then come with us. Stand and look out over the Sea of Opals with me. Visit with the Noble Family Larsen. See the world through different eyes. We both know it will only make you all the wiser for the experience.

“And then I will see you safely home, and pay my respects to your Mother. I will at least have the chance to thank her for all she has done for me, will I not? Her trials are not so great that I should have to bear yet another sorrow, are they?”

The Starrider sighed again, this time more deeply and with no small amount of dread.

“I believe I and my Initiate will also be required to present ourselves to the Temple for service there, which I’m sure will be a delight. I have a feeling I have a capacity to ruffle more feathers than the Captain does. I know her young cousin behind us certainly does!”

Tray Korie

Tray looked down the long line of tables, at the food and ale and revelry and replied to Kadri.

"I think dancing will again occur again after the meal ...

"Though you may not be as free as you wish. The problem with wearing titles is they come with reoles to play - and while it is Midsummers, when anyone can do anything ...

" ... come the morrow and everyone one will still remember what you did over the holiday.

"Which means ...

"Your choices are more than limited - I can only think of one person you could dance with that would not bring trouble ... especially if it reaches our dear sister-in-laws ears."

Kisa Allaine

"Aunt.

"I believe aunt is the more proper. With a certain imaginative number of greats."

Kisa smiled at the kiss, very quiet.

"She knew the lass I was named for. That is very strange. For us they are tales told beneath the stars, stories for learning, reminding us of the things we are not to forget, more important for their lessons.

"And yet for her, she wasn't just a person.

"She was real, she knew her voice, looked into her eyes, tied the same ribbons around beneath the blade of her spear."

Kisa focused upon the youngest Dayalan, who gave her back a very suspicious What-Do-I-Have-Crumbs-On-My-Cheek look back.

Her next words were sure.

"I shall go and stand upon the cliffs of Talesan's Village, and watch the sun set over the Sea of Opals.

"I need to be like her.

"I need to know whats real.

"I look to your Initiate ...

"And all my lessons seem somehow ... empty."

Kadri:

And eyebrow raises.

"Do tell, brother, do tell. Because if I must, I will attempt to dance on my own, but that would be more than passing strange."

Darian

Her head tilts again as she studies him. Like the Dazi, he uses many words, and she needs to concentrate to distill them into her understanding.

"Darian think..." she struggled to find words to fit what she was trying to express.

It was never this difficult with the Pack, but the Pack was no more until she rebuilt it.

"...Ways be not same. In..."

She stopped and frowned, obvious puzzling through something.

"In Darian village, only up," she mimed picking up something or someone "child, pet, sick, old, hurt. Only up Prey."

Bekkah

Bekkah was content to watch Romana, her sister and the others enjoy a simple holiday with good people. She could feel Finn strong and warm against her and she looked up at him occasionally with a smile for him.

She ate and drank quietly contemplating what the days would bring them. She knew this was not her final stop at least not yet.

She couldn't help but laugh at Romana and the children. Quite a change for her initiate and quite a change for these people. Perhaps others would come to realize that not everyone who was different was bad. Perhaps the people of this ring would see nobles differently, and maybe more importantly, perhaps the nobles would see these people differently.

Someone mentioned more dancing and she looked up at Finn again, a sparkle in her eyes.

"Will you be up for more dancing or has the food and wine done what I could not? Perhaps a more sedate pace after such a good meal?"

Cesare

He knows verbal expression is hard for Darian. During their time together communication has taken many forms, sounds, gestures, companionable silence even but that can be limiting in times like this and he appreciates her effort and now think he understands.

"Different for me - up is way of expressing joy. But I can learn your way."

He holds out a hand to her.

"I buy ale.. as an apology."

He grins, feeling much better about everything as the Midsummers spirit returns.

Daxia Yurisdotter

“Well, yes,” she said with a chuckle, acknowledging the less than usual relationship between her Initiate and the Horde’s Captain. “But unless we’re in a situation where those imaginative number of greats are actually important, ‘cousin’ is so much easier to explain. And accept.”

Daxia nodded; Kisa’s logic was — as always — sound. But then she sighed softly as her gaze took in the residents of Talantal’s First Ring.

“So they might seem... here, now, in this particular company of people. But your lessons were meant to give you as much knowledge and wisdom as you might need to be Khorall of Dawnview, da? In a time of relative peace, too. It is not a fair comparison at all, my friend, and you well know it.” She smiled softly at Kisa, and shook her head. “Comparing yourself to others... your lessons to theirs... your abilities to theirs... your knowledge to theirs... this can only lead to turmoils, both in your own heart and between others. I think some wise young friend mentioned something like that to me in an orchard one day.

“Ah, Kisa, when I took my one lesson from Dandy’s fine Jvrillian second, I learned how very little I really knew! Did that make all I’d learned from Gilly, from Reena and her people empty? Because I learned different lessons than Mikal or Dean or even Kay, should that make the lessons I did learn less than theirs? Have my experiences since leaving the Vale made empty the lessons I learned in your Mother’s court and at your side? Of course not!”

She hugged Kisa and muttered another, “Silly Kisa” under her breath.

“Your lessons have only been your lessons. We all continue to learn new things, nyi?”

Daxia was silent for a moment.

“I do understand what you mean, though,” she said softly. “I have often looked up at the Dark Patch since Midwinter, remembering not only those days in Bordertown, but a night spent at Highside Heather. I remind myself that my sigil is a double star for a reason, that His Magnificence chose me for a reason; I remind myself that the Heir of Allaine is my friend, and that my instinct to keep a young Sister from falling to her death was right and true.

“Can even you say what Dayala might have planned for our futures... even knowing all that has occurred already since that night your Mother sent a girl up to your rooms with your dinner?

“You need to be like you. You need to be exactly you. Find lessons everywhere, my friend.

“But only you can be Kisa Allaine, someday Khorall of Dawnview Vale, friend of Daxia Yurisdotter, your Knight and Rider of the most glorious of all Unicorns, Morning Star the Magnificent Font and Hub of all Knowledge and Wisdom.”

She sat in watchful silence, observing all around her... it was a familiar thing to do, and she truly did enjoy watching people. And it was ever so much nicer to be watching with Kisa beside her.

Darian

A quick look of relief flits across her face that she was able to make herself understood followed by a mischievous grin.

"Ale be good!"

Cesare

Feeling all is right again in his world, he grins again and hand in hand leads them back to the others, signaling the barmaid to bring two ales.

Darian and he come from different backgrounds with different understandings of the world. It is probably easier for him to learn her ways as Rhoni tend to be flexible as they travel through different cultures. Of course he only knows his family's version of Rhoni culture.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and Finn, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth.

"I keep waitin' ta hear the horns of battle call out in the night, in the day, in the dusk, in the dawn ..."

Kay leaned upon her spear, with both hands now. Not gripping for fear of falling, but like one might lean against an old and trusted friend; an anchor, to keep the world from spinning out of control.

"I gots someone to protect."

In front of her Romana blushed, pale cheeks turning the littlest bit pink. That got a giggle and some very distracted teasing from her charges.

"This is when Lily-kins would bop me on the head and say bloody straight. Quit thinking so much.

"She then poke me in the chest and say ....

"... trust."

Kisa smiled,turning back to Daxia.

"I like your Initiate. She'd the horse that gets your attention by stomping on your foot. Setting up double bluff tiles is more like breathing than castle accounts and seneschal calculations.

"I shall trust my Knight and follow the sunset."

At the other end of the table a similar clarification was made. Tray crossed his arms and gave Kadri a discerning look, the measuring gaze a scholar might an apprentice who had forgotten how to spell alacrity.

"A close relative would be proper and expected if one's husband was away. Now dancing with Marcus, that would truly annoy a certain person but there would be nothing she could do about it. But since marcus is up in the keep trying to figure out how to avoid spending Midsummer's with his wife, that leaves ... me.

"Except I haven't danced in years."

For Darian and Cesare, their demands were easily me. All it would take would be a wandering back to the general vicinity of the picnic table feast.

"Oi! That's just not allowed, not right, not proper!"

Between less than steady revelers and the Innkeeper's wife's daughters, the two found mugs of ale thrust into their hands.

" ... its unslightly an' borderin' on insultin' ... to be seen without a drink!"

Though Darian's mug was actually a horn; coincidental or not, it was a proper hunter's goblet ... even if it meant the drink just had to be finished before it could be set down.

Leaving matters to wrap back around to a Priestess and a Smith.

'Well lassie, it looks like they are breaking down the tables in the middle. That means there will be dancing again and it will probably go on until She sets in the west. Then its the dinner and listening to the new songs from the Minstrels."

Finn leaned back, lacing his fingers together behind his neck.

"Something more sedate? Does this mean a fine country lass has perhaps ... tired?"

He offered Bekkah a slightly mischievous did-I-win kind of smile.

Bekkah

She heard what he said and looked aghast at the man. There was righteous fury in those eyes, but also a smile on her lips.

"Not this day or any other. I was just giving you a chance to save your dignity, being older and all." she said the smile growing bigger.

"Now, I suspect that I shall have to call upon my Lady's help to revive you when you collapse, dignity washed away."

In truth, she had been envisioning herself enveloped in his strong arms, held tightly against his broad chest.

Daxia Yurisdotter

The Starrider studied her Initiate for several heartbeats, then nodded.

“A big change it is, from then to now. But I pray we never hear those horns for all the rest of our years.”

She smiled then, happy to have learned something new.

“I already have the head bopping in my armory. I’ll add the poking... only when needed, of course.” Tilting her head, her smile softened a bit. “I have a feeling I may never need to use it.”

Daxia met Kisa’s eyes, and nodded.

“I do, too. But don’t tell her that.” Then she chuckled, knowing full well that Kay heard her.

“That foot stomping thing is a Koromov trait, I think.”

Happy simply to be in Kisa’s company, she chose not to think too much herself this day. That Kisa was placing her trust in her Knight, and joining those heading westward, was another precious gift. There were likely to be unexpected ramifications of the decision, and it would certainly change the dynamic of the group, but those were thoughts for the morning.

She overheard the conversation between Master Finn and her sister, and was unable to stifle her giggle.

“Dazi know Bekkah,” she said, looking between the two of them. “But Dazi best sister, and hope Bekkah dance, dance, dance all night.”

Although she presented the most innocent expression possible, the hint of a twinkle in her eyes told Bekkah that her little sister was well aware of Bekkah’s hopes for the evening... as well as the numerous ways in which ‘dance’ could be interpreted.

She marveled again at the ease with which the people of Talantal’s First Ring enveloped not only their Lord from the First Ring, but the Allaine Heir, and a ragtag group of mismatched people who were part of a Dayalan Starrider’s extended family.

People really were kind, when given the opportunity. Yes, here would always be those who were evil. Perhaps that was simply the way of things... the way the world was remolded after the Shattering Wars.

Dazi looked at Romana and her blanket of children, and couldn’t help but smile.

“They so different from us, yah? From those already grown.” She looked at Romana’s face, so delicately different from most hearty folk on this side of the Black Mountains. “Dazi wonders... Kisa wonders... if tales of Lady Romana, who serves Kind One with Lady Bekkah, are told in far away lands... what difference would this make?” The Dayalan shook her head slightly. “Not say now. Only consider. Say tomorrow, or another day.” She smiled and looked down at the children again. “Today is for this. For knowing good. For knowing acceptance. Yah?”

Darian

Her hand wrapped easily around the horn, and she lifted to her lips and took a long draught. She managed to get a bowl for Longtooth as well. It wasn't wise to leave out the snarkhound.

Cesare

He raises his mug to Darian's horn and downs a good draught of the ale. It is good. He is not sure whether they have concluded their business here.. certainly they have in the part he was involved in.. but he isn't sure whether they succeeded in council or what plans might have been born from that session. If Darian heads back out, he might just go with her, he knows she is not at her happiest in cities, Longtooth also. They maybe need to talk as a group but not today, this is Midsummers.

"Food, more ale, exploring, dancing or something else?"

He offers Darian choices of what she might like to do.

Kadri:

"I can go slow. It's not easy, mind you ..."

She grins widely.

"But I can dance slow, but slow or fast I must move."

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and Finn, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth.

Not so slowly were the middle tables broken down, pushed about the street to form a central space for dancing, forming a ring for those who were still more interested in a meal. Of course the minstrels chose one for themselves - guitars and drums and hangers on. The hangars on, of course were mostly girls and young lads who were using the minstrels as an excuse to gather with the others.

The music changed too - from ballads to bransles, the beat picking up and the songs becoming primarily instrumental. In two by twos the roundel filled - bright and playful - with the twirl of full tunics and dashing surcoats, feet tapping the streets in rhythm and hands clapping to the beat.

At the remaining table Kisa Allaine was silent. She considered her companions question, quite seriously actually. She focuses upon Romana and then the children.

"What difference would it make?

"It can't be a what if ...

"They have to be told."

She then fell quiet and acquiesced to Daxia's request to hold this matter for the morrow. From behind, however, Kay dryly corrected her mentor.

"I do not stomp my foot."

The farm girl drolly nodded.

"It is a firm and purposeful drive of my heel into the ground, not carin' what's between it and the dirt. It's why a gal wears boots."

Meanwhile, at the edge of the ring of tables, Longtooh gave his mistress a nod.

Even a Snarkhound should be well treated come Midsummer's. He enjoyed his drink.

"And I would be remiss to not ensure my sister-in-law had a good Midsummers. Dommi would never let me hear the end of it."

The lordling stood, offering Kadri his arm - all right and proper. Kathi frowned a little bit, but stood politely, arms folded behind her.

"If I step on your toes, Sister, remember you asked."

Leaving, last, a blacksmith to push a bench back and stand, offering a strong hand to Bekkah, escorting her in to the center of the open space. To the music he sends her spinning, following, to end one step with the introduction to the next.

"Dignity? My dear lady ... when you work with horses all day, you learn that they are, in general, stubborn and not the sharpest nail in any box. Dignity is the first fatality.

"That said ... why don't we change the stakes ...

"And show these younglings what dancing really means?"





OOC not: We can continue Midsummer's as long as you folks wish. When you wish to move on, simply pose returning to your various rooms - where you can discuss what you want to do next!

OOC: fixed a continuity error ... I am only human!

Mikal

With the meal finished, and the tables removed to make space for dancing once more, he stands up and offers his hand to Captain Komorov. "Now, perhaps my timing is better?"

Dandelion Koromov

The Horde's captain finished her drink, drying her lips upon the back of her hand.

"I am a lass of my word ... when I give it, that is."

The Koromov took the offered hand, her grip strong and sure, which should not be unexpected.

"Now I'm an Alley-brat, don't you be forgetting that.

"And when it comes to a revel, we take no prisoners."

Mikal

"And I a farmer's son and a lone mercenary who has managed to survive on his own for more time than even I expected. I have a few tricks of my own." He smiles, and with her comment about prisoners he pulls her out onto the dance space and leads her into a fast paced, somewhat bawdy version of a common farmer's dance that includes much spinning and twirling as well as several close clinches.

Bekkah

She accepted the hand and immediately was spun away, only to return held tightly against the man's chest.

She looked up at him and gave him a satisfied smile at his suggestion. She was certain that neither of them would give. Stubbornness and a love to dance would see to that.

"I rather like that idea. Should we get to the point where all others have stopped dancing to watch us, then we shall call it a victory." She said before being sent spinning away again, blond hair flowing loose behind her, skirts flowing outward.

Kadri:

She took the arm.

"I dodge well, having spent much time in my youth avoiding the feet of animals of both the four legged and two legged kinds. "

She starts moving slowly, establishing a rhythm - and indeed she was rather good at making sure her feet were never in a place to intersect with his.

She murmurs a bit lower.

"I think miss Kathi thinks very much indeed of you, brother mine. Very much indeed."

Darian

"Food, ale be good," Darian replied with a nod.

Her attention drifted towards the gate again, beyond the walls. It was near enough if the walls pressed in too closely.

Cesare

Ordering more ale, Cesare also asks what food is available and make a choice, waiting on Darian to do the same. Foot tapping to the livelier beat of the music, he watches the dancers start the next dance.

More days like this would be good.

He smiles across at Darian.

"Anything happen outside the walls since yesterday? I've been doing a servant's job and exploring the palace, mainly to find all the ways out of it."

Darian

She pauses to consider. "Jankin go."

Cesare

"Go?"

He looks at her curiously.

"Go where? Go for good?"

He hadn't gotten to know the man that well but he had certainly been a part of their group, his quiet consideration appreciated by all.

Darian

She shrugged. "Darian no know. Jankin no say, only say Must go so go."

Cesare

Strange that Jankin should suddenly decide to leave but maybe he had time to think about his direction in life and realised he wanted to do something else.

"We should tell Daxia.."

He glances across at the happily entwined group that includes Daxia.. and smiles.

"But maybe later."

Daxia Yurisdotter

She simply nodded to Kisa, then smiled at the children caring for their Lady Romana Monster. “Children are children are children.” Dazi watched Bekkah and Finn get up to dance again, emotions playing over her face as she recalled the few years she had Bekkah as her side when she was growing up.

“And then we all grow up, don’t we? Too many of us sooner than we’d like.”

She glanced at Kay and snickered. “Potatoes and potahtoes will taste just the same if you call them patatas. ‘Stomp’ is a strong and decisive word, and it is what you do. If you like dressing it up, then by all means... practice your fancy speech so you can keep up with me.”

Laughing brightly, she turned back to Kisa. “Would you care to dance, my Lady? We’ll never outlast Bekkah, or even hope to keep up with her, but we can set aside our cares and concerns for a short while, da?”

Daxia extricated herself from the overflow of children, and held out a hand to Kisa when she stood. For the first time in a very long time, or so it seemed to her, she both looked and felt as peace. She would let tomorrow take care of tomorrow, and simply enjoy this day with her beloved.

Darian

Simple enough to settle that.

"Dazi know," she said with another shrug and set to finishing off her ale and get another.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon to Dusk, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and Finn, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth.

For Darian and Cesare food finally arrived. Swept down on wooden plates in a graceful arc by well practiced tavern girls, hanks of meat, some bread, some bird, still hot from nearby kitchens. Siding one plate was even a a slab of very very rare meat, just this side of purple, cut to the perfect size for a hunting ruff.

The matter that caught Darian's attention was just that, that and the well cooked and mushroomed venison before her. It was very acceptable very fresh ... and she was pretty sure that when the sun rose this morning this lean steak was walking through some small woodlet on coven hooves.

It seemed one of the more unbelievable bits of folklore might just be true - that there are Hunters who have learned to find prey in the shadow of woods made of stone and brick.

And, looking towards their companions, it seems that others certainly do enjoy the crowded city.

Bekkah was definitely an odd duck; perfectly comfortable walking through the open fields between scattered High Tarn farms and yet smiling and twirling in such a crowded space with an absolute stranger.

A stranger who was matching her pace by pace, spinning her out across the makeshift square with tunic skirts flaring, gathering her up to hold her close - a strange sort of hunt this was; it was almost impossible to tell which one was predator and which one was prey - the prime difference being that Bekkah's soft boots had her moving almost silent, as if borne by the wind while the blacksmith's snapped out the music's rhythm upon the cobbles with each precise step.

"Actually ..."

Finn looked down into his partner's eyes, simply taking in the atmosphere that was Midsummers, with both a hint of mischief and honesty,

" ... if She was to set this very moment, I would hope that the day would still be rightly considered a victory for the both of us ..."

" ... and the rest of us too ..."

That last comment was spoken by a scholar's soft voice, the music twirling two redheads past the more Imperial couple. For Kisa had accepted Daxia's request - as, of course, befits a Lady her Knight. But with her first footstep to the music that fine and proper Noble was banished away, green eyes closing for a moment, banking any hint of snow, and when they opened again it was just a young woman's gaze, sparkling emerald, sharing a handful of fragile heartbeats with her dearest friend and wanting them to last forever.

She held Daxia's hands in hers.

"Fair warning ..."

She whispered to he beloved.

"I am not the most exciting traveling companion. I have a habit of sitting quiet on my horse dawn to dusk, nary speaking a word ...

"There is just so much to see, to here, to feel. Things I will never see again. How can I afford to miss just one."

Like now. Exactly like, right now.

Though a few paces away another couple were giving Bekkah and Finn a challenge against holding the center of attention.

" ... so you say. Let me tell you about dancing in the Alley. I have been on battlefields where the stakes were lower - it is a place where the choice of partners can change the balance of power, announce alliances, become brutal acts of betrayal - and who leads is not a question of boy and girl but of survival.

"Aye I have a natural skill for hunting the Fae, I do.

"But what makes me dangerous was how I learned to dance."

She gave Mikal a very predatory smile,

"Let's see what you got, farmboy ..."

It was quick, it was subtle, it was just a martial shift of balance ... and Mikal found that it was he who was just sent spinning out through the tapestry of dancing.

"I would not be too sure of that."

At a much slower pace, Tray Korie danced with Kadri Korie, which - while it did garner some very surprised looks, it also sent other rumors sifting through the crowd - of a lass who finally caught the Korie's black sheep - of a lordling no longer in a sickbed - and how he came here to celebrate Midsummers.

"Oh ... Miss Kathi and I are well together, we have known each other for years. But I think her frown is not directed at me ... but at you.

"But you do realize that you have not only stepped between her and her liege ... one Korie should be enough for a lass; and here you now have two."

Eventually she started her descent down the other side of the sky.

The first sign, of course, was a bit of complaints, tugs and cries, as the youngest of revelers were retrieved by their Mothers and Fathers. And it was not just those hoarding Romana, though those were perhaps the more vocal in their complaints.

"Danya Monster ... OW!

"Danya Missus Roooo-maaaaaah-naaaaaaaah!"

"Merry! No hitting your brother."

To which would come fancy speaking lessons from Kay.

"No ma'am ... that's properly called bopping, and its a sister's job and all ..."

That got crossed arms.

"Don't encourage her!"

Followed by a quiet,

"Danks."

It was odd, but it shouldn't have been unexpected. Some of the parents didn't quite know who to thank - was the fierce Dayalan spear bearer protecting the odd Atteran Initiate from harm ... or was she protecting them from her? Though the most disturbing comment, the one that really had a Mother hauling her daughter away even faster, was the young lass who pointed to the Darkdowner and said,

"Mommy, when I grow up, can I be like her?"

Finally, however, it was Romana's time to put her foot down. first she patted the bench next to her - and she and Kay exchanged a glance soft that was met with a glance hard. Romana then firmly pointed to the bench, tapping her finger firmly on the wood. Again glances were exchanged, this time reversed - Romana's aristocratically demanding and Kay's softly admitting defeat.

Sitting down, they were the only two not dancing - Romana didn't seem to notice, she was putting together a meal for her guardian - even cutting up her venison into little tidbits.

Resigned, Kay dunked a piece of bread into gravy. She frowned a bit, it wasn't half as fun when the meal was hers. And then she suddenly straightened, stiffened, and looked to the side. Romana had, finally too, closed her eyes, slowed her breath and falling asleep herself unconsciously leaned against Kay's shoulder.

"Great."

Kay took another defeated bite from her bread, poking a square of meat with her knife.

"I've been promoted to furniture ..."

She then managed a small smile.

"Could be worse.

"She weighs less than Lily-kins."



<<minor edits>>

Mikal

He accepts the small changes with a smile, and whether he allows her to lead him thru the steps or she forced him to is not quite clear.

"You might note that while I am reasonably well-built, I am not a muscle-bound brute" <step>, <step>, <spin>.

"My survival in battle is due to my instincts and a natural grace", <twirl>, <step>, <step>, "that allows me to maneuver in very tight spaces", <clinch>, <twirl> "and to not be where my opponent believes I will be" <step>, <a purposefully missed hand grab followed by a clasp of the trailing hand as it passes>.

"Still" <step>, double-step>, <spin>, "I do not doubt you are my better", <smile, step>, "after all, you must have learned something in all those years, and I always respect my elders", <duck just in case>, <step>, <clinch>.

Cesare

As he looks down at his plate, he realises that he has fully regained his appetite. It looks great. He smiles his appreciation to the serving girls as he reaches for the first morsel.

"Sure looks good."

And as he eats he relates in simple sentences what he has been up to:

- finding Dom's brother
- realising he wasn't ill but poisoned by cidre
- Bekkah healing him
- Then the young Lordling coming here to enjoy Midsummers for the first time in a long while.

The telling of the tale punctuated by the chewing of good food washed down by more ale.

Daxia Yurisdotter

She chuckled at Kisa’s comment. “I am not always a chatterbox, you know.”

The weavings of the dance brought them closer, then spun them apart. For all of that, Dazi was loathe to allow Kisa’s hands — one or both of them — to stray farther than a hand-span away from her own. Conversation, such as it was, could be had in small snippets and then larger chunks when the dance kept them close.

“We all watch as we travel, for different things and for different reasons...

“Romana and Darian and Dean are all naturally quiet...

“Kay is so curious, and so determined to be worthy of a Black Steed that I am afraid that I am not the best teacher for her.”

The Starrider’s smile was as bright as her eyes, and these sparkled like the waters of Sapphire Lake. She felt comfortable enough with her traveling companions to share bits of her heart and mind and soul, but only Bekkah truly knew all the facets that made up the woman Daxia, daughter of Yuri, granddaughter of Tasha. And even though Bekkah knew her so well, even her sister could not understand some of Dazi’s fears. Kisa... ah, well, Kisa knew Daxia as well as Bekkah did, and could even understand those fears.

I am really qualified, am I really good enough, to lead these people?

“Bekkah always has tales of her journeys through the High Tarn, but has a keen sense for when silence is desired.

“Mikal knows more of fighting than I, even now I think. Yet he’s never cross with me for ignoring his advice...

“...well, except for the times I might have put myself too closely in the path of danger. Sometimes, I have no choice...

“...as you well know.

“Cesare is content to be silent with Darian, but can be coaxed to tell a tale or two...

“...as can Kadri, who would rather speak of her journeys than her home. Now I understand why!

Despite her fears being, for the most part, unfounded — did Morning Star, the Most Magnificent Font of Knowledge and Wisdom, not choose her? — these people whom she thought of as her own, as her family did follow her. She must be doing something right.

“I know I wrote to you of how happy I am to have been reunited with Bekkah...

“Recall the joy of those words, and know my joy at having you travel with us is even greater...

“However, as I suspect your fighting skills are as excellent as my sister’s...”

Daxia snuck in a chuckle there.

“...it is good that there are so many proficient fighters in the group.”

As She journeyed closer and closer to the western horizon, fewer people remained dancing... more were returning to their ales and stories... and the Knight whispered something to her Lady, the light of mischief in her eyes. At the end of the dance, Daxia escorted Dama Allaine to the mini-court Tray Korie held, not far from where Romana rested her head on Kay’s shoulder.

Dazi managed not to giggle at the sight. It wasn’t that Kay looked particularly put out by Romana’s use of her shoulder as a pillow... it was just, well, peculiar to see. Romana, so tall and light, and Kay, so small and dark... peculiar it might be, but it made Dazi happy to see it.

“My Lord,” she said to Tray with a slight bow, “Dama Kisa would like to discuss the matter of your library with you.” Dazi was pleased that she managed to get that out without bursting into laughter. “I hope you and Dama Kadri do not mind if I excuse myself. I have another matter that must be tended to.” She winked at Kisa, and grinned at Kadri, before schooling her face to a proper neutral mask.

She then turned to the Squire of Rames standing nearby, and put her fists on her hips.

“I trust that Sir Kevin taught you dance, Squire Dean. You are not allowed to escape a Midsummers Festival without dancing. I’m sure that’s a rule.”

Then she smiled broadly at the young squire and held out her hand. “Only one... maybe two... dances. Unlike my sister, I don’t cheat. So I’m going to trust that you won’t trip over me or anything silly like that.”

Her eyes lit up with humor.

“Besides, think of the tales we could start about a follower of Rames dancing with a Dayalan! Such fun!”

Dean

Dean gazes in horror at the proferred hand. "W..w..what? No, no, no! I couldn't..."

Seeing the stern look on Dazi's face, he submits and slowly rises. He shakes his head and says, "they're your toes, my Lady Dazi."

Kadri:

"One thing I can say, Tray. And this is a thing most certain. I have no interest in power for powers sake. I find politics a tiresome game - and I think she need not worry on that count. I do not feel the need to collect a parcel of Kories to place upon the mantelpiece."

The dancing done, she fetches herself a drink, and as Dazi finishes speaking, replies.

"Dazi - you need never excuse yourself to me for anything."

She then grins at The squires stuttered response.

Daxia Yurisdotter

She chuckled at Kadri’s response. “Of course not, but you have this delightful new role that I need to tease you about... at least a little bit.”

Dazi then looked at Dean and rolled her eyes.

“Yes. My toes, confined to my sturdy boots. How is it that you can manage to spar without killing either of us, but you’re terrified of dancing?” she asked as she practically had to drag her reluctant partner to the space set aside for dancing. “Did you never dance with your sisters? Do they now need to walk on their knees because you destroyed their feet?”

Pointing to the other dancers, she said, “Look. It’s a simple four count dance... if it makes you feel better, you can pretend you’re practicing the four count footwork I showed you for use against two opponents at once. You do that very well. Don’t even think of denying it!

“And I’m no more a Lady than you are a Lord. Unless you are secretly a Lord and haven’t told us, in which case I’m quite a bit less a Lady than you are a Lord. Plus I will need to find an actual Lady to speak sternly to you about fibbing to us. Fortunately, we seem to be collecting Ladies to our party, which — for myself — I find quite odd.

“And you know I can keep talking until She sets and then beyond — even while dancing — if it will get your mind off your feet, right?”

Dean

Dean shakes his head, and with a small smile grabs Dazi by the waist. They dance!

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Early Evening, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and Finn, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth

Actually, being a Squire, that is the first step to lordship and one of the few ways a common born lad can attain peerage – the title Knight does come with an elevation of rank and entrance to the Nobility.

Dawnview had never had Knights before. Kisa Allaine smiled, as she listened to Daxia explain peerage to the young dean. It was a knowing smile, understanding that she could adopt a similar custom with but a word. Knowing that the imperials would recognize it; because to not do so would be inconsistent with their own hard held traditions. The down side of a hierarchy dedicated to Order.

However, there was one thing that Daxia should have expected, despite Dean’s shy response. He is a Squire. And Squires are trained in the courtly arts. So he did know how to dance …

“Cor! That just ain’t fair!”

Of course it was Marcy, though Darcy’s gaze was equally pointed.

“How come she gets the squire! She’s not even a proper Lady. White hair and swords, if it weren’t for Midsummers!”

“What? Am I ground up pigs liver?”

Marcy had forgotten that she was dancing with someone. She hastily retreated, retreated and attacked at all the same time.

“But you want to be a Squire too, right? You want to be a hero, yes?”
Happily the dance spun them away for a bit and he didn’t have to answer. Carrying a sword usually means getting hit by one and all. From her meal Kay leveled a very amused look upon the poor farm lad.

“At least cobber, you have a choice, ja?

“That’s what me and skin and bones here in common. We never really had.”

Across the way, someone could not help but laugh.

“And that, laddie boy, is what I say to Old Man Ironhand. He usually then cuffs me a good one, which he always lets me catch, because it is not seemly for a lieutenant to be beating on his captain.

“Strategy and tactics, tactics and strategy.”

Dandelion Koromov easily kept pace with Mikal, the two trading lead with every change in standard – while Finn and Bekkah may have held attention for elegance and dashing daring do, the other half of the crowd followed their more martial turns and steps, with elbow nudges and whispers and pointing, a similar competition, but this one much more feral.

Once Mikal found himself standing alone – and the Koromov tapping her foot across the circle, as if she were patiently awaiting the arrival of a late suitor. He knew he had been gotten, but it was not unexpected – this was Dandelion Koromov’s trademark move – her uncanny ability to be in the last place anyone expected.

“The trick is figuring out which you are best at and finding a partner that compliments you. Once that’s done you go find someone like Duffy. Ever wonder why he’s my number two and not Rafe? He keeps us going.”

nearby, neither Finn nor Bekkah showed any signs of tiring.

“This is Midummer’s in Talantal, my feisty Lady fair. You do realize the minstrels will get tired and then replaced by others until dawn breaks on the morrow? Which is fine and wonderful, except you’ll miss the stars as they rise over the ravine and well, to tell the honest truth, come halfway through the night and it will be Darry and his jug, and he is not pleasant on the ears … though he will have the crowd slain with laughter.”

Waiting patiently, Kathi deigned not to listen to Darian nor Cesare. Pointedly, in fact. Waiting, it is what a proper servant lass does quite a bit of, until her charge returns.

When released, Tray returned to Kathi’s care; he slouched a bit, betraying more than a little weariness. But he tried his best to shake it off, requesting a mug of ale instead. With his quiet sentinel the Korie rested, waving Kadri off to her friends. It should have been unexpected, in truth he had been sick for a very very long time and to wake at Midsummers, not the most recommended of recuperations.

“My library?

“I fear the most telling thing is that you might discover my Brother’s taste in literature.”

His smile was a welcome one, but weary, as he sipped his ale.

Daxia and Kisa, however, would recognize this kind of relaxation. He was watching, he was listening to, the people who, come the morning sun, he will be responsible for.

Bekkah

She danced effortlessly with the supposed blacksmith. She was starting to wonder if he was truly some courtier in disguise. Of course she did not believe that, but there was no doubt about the charm he exuded.

She smiled up at him, leaning in closer than proper during one of the steps, looking up into his eyes.

"And I suppose you have a better suggestion than listening to Darry's jug, though it might be something I may never get the chance to experience again." she said now shamelessly flirting with the man as much as he was flirting with her. If he was as observant as he appeared, then he'd know her feelings.

Cesare

When Lord Tray returns, Cesare is reminded that other people exist other than Darian and decides introductions are in order, especially as he had been talking about Darian only moments before she arrived.

"Lord Tray."

He nods respectfully, not a honour he bestows willingly on many.

"May I introduce Darian, Hunter and companion, another of our group?"

He is not quite sure if he is doing this right, bestowing the right descriptions, and hopes that neither the local Lord nor Darian take exception.

He turns a smiles at Kathi.

"And Kathi who has been a great help to me since we arrived and to whom I owe an apology, deserting her in a dance. Sorry Kathi."

Daxia Yurisdotter

Oh, and dance they did! Like the initiates of those among the Imperial Court, Kassia’s last student had been trained in much the same topics as a Squire of Rames, though obviously from a Dayala-centric perspective. Kassia’s idea of courtly arts, however, were more on the practical side of things. Despite that, Daxia did learn the more sedate dances the folks up in the Fifth Ring must be dancing.

These were so much more fun!

She’d seen the smile on Kisa’s face, and tucked into the back of her mind the fact that the Heiress was likely scheming some new scheme. It would be good for Dawnview, no doubt. It might well be good for many others. And it would probably send Daxia down further “interesting” Paths. The definitions of “interesting,” of course, could and would vary wildly.

One or two dances were all Daxia had insisted upon, but she did claim the full two from the Squire. After the second, though, she curtsied most properly before walking back toward Lord Tray and Damas Kisa and Kadri.

“Thank you, Dean, I had fun! I do wish you’d work on getting over this silly notion that some of us are better than others of us,” she said with a smile. “It’s fine if we’re in Court or around certain Nobles... but not all the time.

“Oh, I know, I know!” She held up a hand in a half surrender. “It’s the way you were raised, it’s what you were taught.” Daxia stopped short of the table to say one final thing to the Squire. “Maybe your task, your purpose for being out on the Tarn guarding Bekkah is to allow new thoughts into your head, eh? Lady knows my head has been stuffed so full of new thoughts I think it might explode.

“Just a thing to consider, da? And I won’t tell Bekkah that you really are a good dancer.” She winked and continued to the table, her arm linked with his.

When they returned to the table, the watchers were watching... Dazi couldn’t help but smile. No doubt Kisa would, indeed, have an abundance of interesting things to see on their journey west. It would be ridiculous not to travel with the Larsens’ party. Daxia was happy enough about that; Kay’s teaching poem made is clear that one couldn’t dislike the Larsens, and both the Khorall and his Lady seemed to be... well... just plain nice.

Noting the tableau of Darian, Cesare and Kathi, Daxia stepped to Darian’s side.

“Have time for short talk, Darian?” she asked.

Nodding to Cesare and Kathi, she reiterated and reassured. “Not long,” Dazi said with a smile. “Perhaps you won’t even have time to finish your ale, Cesare.”

Darian

"Hoi.

She gave a short nod to the Lord and pointed to the snarkhound at her leg.

"Be Longtooth."

Daxia appeared at her side.

"Aye," with another short nod.

Cesare

He nods with a grin. This ale is going down a little slower than the others as he is feeling the effects of the other ones and thinks slowing down is probably a good idea.

Kadri

She looks over to Cesare.

"I think I can say I am coming close to having it to here."

She holds a hand about a foot over her head.

"With this noble thing, aye Cesare? I have to fight a constant urge to do impolitic things."

She grins widely.

"Not the easiest of fights, let me say to you."

Cesare

"And not just those above stairs. Kathi can tell you that there are those below stairs that more than try your patience."

A certain cook comes to mind.

Kadri:

"Oh believe me, I know. I've lived "below the stairs" before. The biggest part of discomfort here is not being able to just chat like damn normal people. I'm not this damnable dress. I'm not fancy finery and noble airs. And these trappings are suffocating traps. I'd just as soon be playing drinking games with the people over there as trying to maintain images. And they deal with serious business. Having people's lives and fortunes influenced by my actions, words, and slips of the tongue ..."

A pause, as she glances over at Kathi.

"If I harm me through my actions, all is well and the chase is on. If someone wishes to play a long game of cat and mouse with me they are more than welcome to. But innocents - just saying that they probably deserve someone a bit eternal for that role, yes?"


"At least I was able to finally tell father my true thoughts. That has to count for something."

Mikal

He chuckles and smiles when he finds himself standing alone, then rushes up to Dandy and sweeps her back into the dance almost as if he intended to wrestle with her. In fact, their dance does somewhat resemble the intricate movements of two opponents feeling each other out, looking for weaknesses to exploit, than it does the more typical dancing of the townsfolk.

At her comments, he nods, understanding the conversation is extremely valuable. "Yes. I would like to form a Troop of my own. I have developed some ideas on tactics I have not seen used. Finding the right Second is critical. Not to mention the funding."

He grins, slipping his right leg behind Dandy's knee as she begins a step-step-twirl sequence. He tightens his grip on her left hand and shoulder as she enters the sequence. He doesn't expect her to trip over his knee, and if she steps lightly over it he doesn't want to lose her. But if she does trip over his knee, the rest of the move would involve a deep backwards bend of her body across his knee and the last thing he wants to do is let her go.

Daxia Yurisdotter

Stepping a pace or two away from the group, she said quietly to Darian, “Tray say brother Heir raise snarkhounds. Dazi think Darian like to know.”

Daxia leaned over to scritch the snarkhound at the Hunter’s side. “Maybe Longtooth interested, too.” She chuckled. “Maybe not.”

Tucking her thumbs close together between belt and tunic, fingers overlapping, she looked up at the sky. It was getting dark enough to see some of her Sisters trailing after Dayala. As beautiful as they were, it was hard to forget that each one represented a Sister who had died in battle. So many... so unfathomably many.

“Hunters nearby, too,” she said, “but Dazi not see.” She grinned at her friend. “Hunters hard to see when want no seeing.”

She looked over at those still dancing and thought Mikal and Dandy looked more like they were sparring than dancing. For some reasons, she was unsurprised.

“We stay here tomorrow. Maybe go after second rising.” Daxia shrugged. “Kisa join Dazi and friends. Go west. With Larsens, big party.”

Daxia had no problem running ideas together in a way that Darian could easily understand. She was simply speaking in the Dawnview farmers’ dialect. The downside to that particular dialect was that it allowed a person to say a lot more in less time. She consciously kept her chunks to information small to be sure Darian didn’t miss anything. It wasn’t so much different than when she first ran into the folks on the trail on her way down from Dawnview. Of course, she had different reasons for speaking very little then.

“Darian, Longtooth stay outside walls this night?” Dazi tilted her head, looking at Darian. “Hunter look less... pressed by walls to Dazi. Darian feel less pressed?”

Cesare

"I would like that opportunity too, assuming he is still alive. How did that go then?"

Then his ale oiled brain picks up an inference that he doesn't like the sound of.

"Are you saying that Kathi is in danger?"

Kadri:

"With Tray she is probably about as safe as anyone else is in this mad place."

She sighs and rubs her forehead.

Cesare

Maybe he misunderstood? At least Kadri doesn't think there is a specific problem. Good.

He takes another sip of ale, watching Daxia and Darian talking with little curiosity as to the subject matter.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon to Dusk, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and Finn, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth.

Tray actually waited; he waited and paused, not even having to look over his shoulder to know his sentinel was watching the Rhoni with an even gaze. Kathi stood behind Tray with her arms crossed.

“You do.”

Kathi nodded, looking to Cesare.

“The reason we stand with the Young Master is that he always treats us as if we are all important to him. Even Miss Mouse.

“It is a lesson to be remembered.

“However, as if is Midsummer’s, I shall find some way to forgive you.”

Only then did Tray look past Cesare to his companion.

“Well met, mi’Lady and I hop you are enjoying Midsummers. And that’s a fine companion you have there …”

The lordling nodded towards Longtooth.

“My brother’s are all young – or seem to be when I watch them run in the yard. Personally, I’d think cunning only gets one so far, then you have to know what you are doing. Though that might just be a scholar talking.”

Meanwhile at one dance …

“Well of course mi’lady Bekkah. There are many many things better than Darry’s jug. Sour milk, old cheese, watching the stars rise above the ravine, walking in the silver moonlight along the third ring gardens, mulled tshokolat mixed with cream …”

That last got a sleepy, dreamy response from a slumbering Atteran.

“ …. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm … tshokolat …”

While another dance was about to reach a stalemate.

“Then lad …”

Dandelion Koromov moved with Mikal, matching his moves with each passing measure.

“Harry runs the toughest heavy cavalry between Trundle and the sea. Donner knows town defense better than any one; if I had to break into a town he was defending I’d go vacation until his contract ran out. The Horse, we don’t play by the rules, which is why we can survive against the Fey. Even the Mark – they will take any contract, no matter how dark a shade of gray.

“You want your own troop. You better find out what makes you special, what you do that no one else can.

“Otherwise you’ll be nothing more than another sword for hire.”

She paused in her words,

She did not trip. She did not fall.

She held, balanced, bent over backwards in a stern arch, looking back up at Mikal. She smiled, an alley girl’s smile.

“Now think carefully laddie …

“Do you really, really want to finish this step?”

Mika

He laughs and pulls her upright, finishing instead with a twirl that releases her hand and a bow as the tune finishes.

He offers her his hand to lead her back to the table for refreshment. Walking back to the tables his eyes take on a far away quality.

"I have some thoughts on light cavalry. A Troop that can fight from horseback, not just as dismounted infantry. But not a bruising Heavy Cavalry unit like Harry's. Instead a unit that uses it's speed to hit and then not be there when the return strike comes. To harass. A unit that can gallop up before an enemy can form, strike hard, and dash away. A group like that, trained to work together, disciplined, could harry an enemy on the march until it broke. Kill 10 men here, 10 there, 20 over there. Death by a thousand cuts. Like a swarm of mosquitoes it could drive a foe to the point of madness. To the point of making mistakes. Deadly ones."

"It will take mounts as good as the men, and men who know how to take care of those mounts better than themselves. If I could dream they'd all be mounted on Ambers. It will take crossbows that can be reloaded while mounted and have enough striking power to punch through armour. It would take a unit armed with swords, curved for striking from horseback. Slashing rather than stabbing. A unit of spears for shock. And all archers. But mostly it will take discipline and training."

He chuckles ruefully. "A dream." He glances around. "I have none who follow me now so I am a Troop of one."

Kadri, for the moment, looks wistfully to the other revelries going on - then sits, and picks at a roll.

She felt a need to do something unwise but one voice in her head told the other voice in her head that this moment was, indeed, not the time.

Bekkah

She looked up into the blacksmith's eyes and gave him a sweet smile.

"I do love gardens in the moonlight." she said simply.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Dusk to Evening, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and Finn, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth

Midsummer’s night came quickly, the sun falling far far off to the west, over the sea of Opals. Somewhere, in the town Khorall Larsen looked over, the waters were painted the colors of fire as the tide rushed up to the stone carved pier.

It was a warm night, but with the darkness the revelry in the streets broke up – quite naturally. Exhausted children trundled to bed, the older one trying to stay awake all night; something their parents might not even manage. But that would occur in the taverns, the inns and the homes of the City from most humble to most proud.

One might expect the great hall of the Kories to be loud and raucous – albeit properly until the heir and his wife had a little too much to drink – deep into the night. Those who gamble are probably having a field day in the servants corridors, for who ends up with who is always more interesting when the lead players, as opposed to getting along … don’t.

For the restless, like Kadri, it was a quandary. To balance propriety and recklessness, that was a dance of a different beat, and someone was probably chuckling at how she had ended up putting herself atop such a collection of truths and half truths. What would a certain Korie lad be doing about now? Probably dancing in the shadows cast by birch and silver moonlight, having dared a dangerous game of threece, put everything to risk on a few soft spoken words – help my brother – and won.

Toss the dice, take a chance …

Was there anything Kadri wished for that would be worth such a daring toss of finely carven sticks?

Though not everyone, however, could be as lucky as Bekkah. stolen away gracefully, that last dance spinning the two out of the circle, up the road, so that when they music ended she and Finn could walk the streets of Talantal, climbing up through the city. Tucked beneath his arms it was almost as if the tales told in the farms were true - the streets truly were paved with gold.

And yes, the gardens that lined the Third Ring's wall - set just back from the defensive parapets, were beautiful, and even more so in the soft moonlight.

Down would come far far too soon.

Or not soon enough, for others.

“Up up up … if you think I’m carrying you back up to that fancy dancy cathedral you got another think coming, snowhair!”

Some wishes, however, were more like trying to push an immovable object. Which was an odd reversal, usually Romana was the irresistible force.

“Knights in shinings armors …”

There was a poke.

“Kays need shinings armors …”

“Nin ... nin ... nin …. I like my …hey don’t you dare fall asleep again!”

Shoulders shrugging, the Initiate rolled her head back, to look to her mentor,

“Looks like me watch ain’t over. Should be fine.”

That simple acceptance of duty broke the last of Dazi’s ties holding her to the little square. Bekkah was dancing the night away and Kay was probably right; it was Midsummers and the two were probably safe; if any trouble did come seeking them it would be faced with all manners of fierceness. A battle worn spear and the wrath of simple folk for someone who actually helped them.

Marcy and Darcy chose a suitor each, to let themselves be escorted all the way back up to the fifth ring. In some ways it was silly proper. In other ways it was a touch of gold – how many lads from the First Ring would be able to say they were welcomed through the upper gates?

Kathi too was playing escort, for her young master’s brother. Tray had finally bid himself adieu, turning to follow in the wake of the twin initiates. He glanced to the side, reminding a Dayalan of her other tasks.

“The one thing about libraries is that they do not go anywhere very easily. However, mine does have a warm fireplace and oil lamps; I’ve spent many a night reading far later than I should.

“That and the kitchens will be staffed until past dawn and breakfast.”

Two of the small group would retreat to the closest tavern. Dandelion was quite comfortable in such a place; in some ways it did remind her of home – she had probably spent many a Midwinters and Midsummers in such places when she was growing up and throughout a mercenary career.

Probably many even less fine than those found in Talatal’s poorer quarters.

It was quite easy for her to claim two places at the bar; all it took was a steely look and a gold coin placed on the wooden counter.

“Jake, give the lady room.”

Usually the biggest coin they ever saw down here was a guilder or two.

“Light horse … eh?”

The Koromov ordered up a pair of beers and then a round all across the house. She knew how to keep the locals happy.

“Just be careful, laddie. Horse archery and you will end up annoying not one but two gods. One won’t like you thinking that His teachings aren’t good enough and the other is quite jealous of Her follower’s talents.

“Unless you do what I do – and pulling off that trick on a larger more balanced scale would be bloody interesting – for many many reasons.

“A troop of one.

“I started that way.

“You start by collecting a handful of folks you can trust.”

Kadri:

She announces to whomever is present to hear;

"I believe that I feel the need to retire for the night - I have perhaps had a bit too much excitement for the day. "

Extracting herself, she made her way to her room, where she shed every trace of her finery and dug out of simple but serviceable clothing, cloth and cloak. Her hair she reworked back into its simpler stylings. Kadri the noble soon was left to lie on a bed, out of sight. Kadri of no name in particular reappeared, particularly reappeared presently in a tavern, looked up and over at Mikal, winked ... and ordered a drink, keeping a hood pulled over her face. Having acquired her drink she found a place to sit.

Be damned if she wasn't going to have at least one drink as herself rather than as herself. She was going to be who she was, not who she is. And she was going to drink. To friends, to laughter, to family, to the Lady, and to herself.

At least once before midsummer's was completely gone.

Mikal

Having been keeping at least one eye on Kadri, when she excuses herself to go she finds him at her shoulder. He doesn't say anything, even when she changes to go back out. He simply follows her, though this time he stays a short distance away so as to give her some space. He sits further down the bar from her and lifts a glass in her direction.

Dandelion Koromov

Looking to the side the Horde's Captain glanced past Mikal.

"You know, if I can't hang him from the rafters, maybe I can try his wife.

"It just feels like Midsummers is missing something ..."

Cesare

Once Daxia and Darian have finished their talk, Cesare asks Darian.

"Are you staying in the city or moving back outside tonight? And is there anything you'd like to do this evening? I know cities are not your favourite place to be but there are opportunities here for shopping or entertainment."

She looks over towards Dandelion and raises her drink her direction.

Much better. Out of the jester's outfit, out of the cage - or at least hiding from it.

[Ut oh. ...his direction? Kadri's gonna get hung for sure.]

(Bah. I typed for dandy while thinking Mikal)

Darian in conversation with Daxia

For all the things Daxia had said, it was the lead thing that snagged Darian's attention, perhaps even that of Longtooth. The supplemental information about Hunters being near by was born out by the quality of the meat served. It seemed to Darian that the Hunters here were not as affected by the walls as the one in that last walled place.

"Aye. Darian, Longtooth need others. Two not whole make Pack."

She chewed on her lip a moment, then added, "Darian no city talk. Dazi help?"

Daxia Yurisdotter
earlier, in conversation in Darian

“Yah.” Dazi half smiled at Darian, and rolled her eyes. “Yah, Darian know Dazi help.”

Darian in conversation with Daxia.

A smile flitted across her face followed by a look of uncertainty.

"Dazi see snarkhounds?"

Daxia Yurisdotter
earlier, in conversation in Darian

Dazi shook her head.

“Not see. Only hear tell. Heir breeds.”

She glanced over at the Korie Lord.

“Dazi think Tray... hint? Almost hint? Heir not kindest...”

She shook her head again. No, that wasn’t the right word. Hounds didn’t need kindness, they needed discipline.

“No, no... Heir have no patience to train right. No discipline. Darian understand this?”

Darian in conversation with Daxia

She may not have understood the words exactly but she was fairly sure understood the meaning.

"No Learn Hunt??"

Daxia Yurisdotter
earlier, in conversation in Darian

She hesitated, considering the things she’d overheard.

“Learn hunt... but not learn Hunt. Not Hunt like Darian.

“Dazi not know. Only think, maybe, Tray say right. Hound like Hunter.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Darian Hunter, make prayers proper to Khannish. Longtooth good Hound. Heir...” She shook her head again. “...not Hunter, not make prayers, not make good Hound. Not proper Hound.”

Dazi shrugged.

“Only big guess for Dazi.”

Darian in conversation with Daxia

A frown creased her face, and her gold eyes narrowed to slits. She had seen evidence of a Hunter. Daxia had said Hunters be here. This, what Daxia was telling her, was sacrilege.

Yet she was still aware she was in place of tall walls and her voice dropped to a whisper too.

"Why Hunter not stop?"

Daxia Yurisdotter
earlier, in conversation in Darian

“Dazi think Hunter... cannot.”

She looked around them, at all the people, back toward the Gate and the outer wall of the First Ring. Then she looked back at Darian and spoke softly once again.

“Hunter, Hunters get pups when need, yes? Heir is Heir. Heir say... all do. Not know this Pack. Dazi not know any Pack.”

The Dayalan lowered her eyes to the ground. She was not happy with the reality of the world, but she understood politics and her place in the world. She was a pagan. Darian was a pagan. The Kories were upstanding members of the Imperial Church.

“Sometimes all must do... things not like in heart. Do needed things to survive, yes?”

She looked back into the Hunter’s eyes.

“Celi not learn this, not believe this. So.”

She spread her hands slightly. What was done was done, what had happened had happened. Celi was no longer with them, but returned to her Mother.

“Maybe Pack here learn... must do this, must do that. Must survive.”

Darian

"Grey Men come. He say go. Darian go. Darian want stay."

Her frown deepened though she nodded. She understood doing something and not wanting to. She had to trust that he had known best. He had sent her away while he stood and Hunted the Grey Prey. He had given her a directive too. She and Longtooth were the last of their Pack. They were to find a new territory. Establishing new territory included establishing a new Pack.

"Snarkhound learn wrong be... Wrong."

Daxia Yurisdotter
earlier, in conversation in Darian

Dazi nodded. In theory, she understood this. The finest horse could be made useless and skittish under the wrong hands, while the best trainers could take an otherwise unremarkable horse and turn out a reliable warhorse.

But for Darian, it went even deeper than that. The snarkhounds were part of the compact Hunters made with Khannish. To pervert that... no, Dazi didn’t think she could fully comprehend that.

Why, it would be like asking a Unicorn to be simply a...

Oh. Well, maybe she did understand a little better than she thought she did.

“Dazi understand wrong be wrong. Understand Pack must survive, too. Hard... like walk on edge of sword.”

The redhead paused, then lightly rested fingertips on Darian’s arm.

“If Dazi can help Darian, know Dazi will. But Dazi not understand all things.”

That last? It was actually freeing. It was one thing to be told one was a cobble block and didn’t know a thimble’s worth of anything about anything. And it was another thing to admit not knowing something.

But not understanding? The Ineffable could never be understood, but humans and their machinations? That was what she was trained to do. To understand people... politics... the reasons for this and the motivations behind that. Oh, perhaps if she had more information, she could understand. That didn’t help Darian now, though.

“But Darian is friend. Dazi do best to help.”

Darian in conversation with Daxia

Another nod. All the Wrong weighed heavily on her. Now, now she really did miss her Pack and her Master. She had not learned nearly enough yet. She knew the ways of her Pack, the ways of the Hunt. She knew the idea of building a Pack, but to put that into action, to make a successful Pack...

"Darian need help," she said with another nod. "Darian want fix Wrong, but..."

Daxia Yurisdotter
earlier, in conversation in Darian

She sighed and nodded.

“Much Wrong in world. Dazi want make all Wrong be Not Wrong. Cannot.

“Dazi, Darian, us?” Dazi gestured to the others of their group. “Small in world. But strong, yes? If this Wrong possible to make Not Wrong, we try.”

And they would, too, if it was at all possible... physically, and without alienating Dawnview’s new ally. Hadn’t Morning Star said she wasn’t just supposed to be gallivanting about? Oh, he did. Making a difference in the world? That seemed to be what this little group was meant to be doing.

“Same as make Not Wrong girl in first City,” Dazi mused. “Same as make Not Wrong Romana dying in Forest. Same as make Not Wrong Priestesses in old Temple.

“Us? All will help Darian if Darian need help for making Wrong be Not Wrong. Yes?

“Only Darian say is possible.”

Dazi tapped a finger against her lips as she thought. It’s true that only Darian could say if such a thing would be possible, and she’d likely need to find the Hunters, or the... Lead Hunter? Darian called her Teacher ‘Master’, so maybe it was Master Hunter? Well, words and their meaning are something to consider for another day. The point was that Darian would likely need to not only find, but talk with the Master Hunter here.

Dazi sure hoped he — she? no, probably he — was less... unstable? Definitely... less unstable than Bordertown’s Hunter.

“Darian remember Mikal say very loud at Dazi she not think, think, think when rescue Tashka, Linette?” She looked up at the stars, her Sisters, her eyes straying, as always, to the Dark Patch. “Darian remember Cesare say no, no, not our business? And Dazi say... okay. Dazi do anyway. And all help Dazi.

“Hmm. Cesare like say not our business, then be big help anyway. Cesare confusing.”

The Dayalan tore her eyes away from the poignant sight of her Sisters... beautiful, and so heartbreaking.

“So. Same. If Darian say we must do, then Dazi say we must do. All help!”

She smiled again at her friend.

“This make Darian hurt inside. Yes. And Darian not have Pack. Yes. But Darian have Family. Like Pack, some different.

“Until find Pack, Darian have... us. Have Family.”

Dazi nodded once, decisively.

“So.”

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Evening, Midsummer's Day

Kadri, Mikal, Dandelion, Daxia, Darian, Longtooth and Kisa

Dandelion looked between Mikal and kadri, weighing her options, balancing cause and effect.

"Meh ..."

She admitted with a smile, raising her own mug to Kadri and Mikal in return taking a slow draught of the rich beer.

"First, its bad form to get into a fight with someone you just danced with ..."

She shared a smile with the Korie wife's bodyguard.

"But mostly, its no fun when one hasn't done anything to deserve hanging, now, is it. "

Tray and his own escort had already started the long climb back to the Keep's central ring; watched carefully by Kathi and perhaps picking up a small shadow as the skies and streets darkened. The lamplighters were out, and while there were few to be lit in the lowest ring, as one got higher and higher the city began to sparkle - like diamonds fallen from the sky.

The true stars, however, kept their watch as night fell and they began their own evening dance. Kisa watched the sky, hands folded behind her as head tilted, just a bit. Two seemed to be brighter than usual.

But then, it was their first Midsummer's together too.

She waited, quiet - patient wasn't quite the right word. True she was patient, but she alwo wasn't trouble, quite happy to loose herself in the midsummer's crowd, so far away from home, from responsibility, from duty.

To just look up and count the stars.

One. two.

Until Daxia had finished her conversation and they could make their own way back to the keep.

Elsewhere ... the night has taken the eldest Aterran and her two Talantal charges, two headed home and one walking the city gardens. The last Initiate was under watchful care and thus was assured to return safely.






[[OOC Notes: It appears Midsummers is winding down ... you should work out any last Talantal requests, so that we can move to the next day and perhaps even farther ...]]

[An OOC to all and sundry, most of whom are probably confused: The timing of the conversation between Daxia and Darian is considerably earlier in the evening. It is, in fact, occurring while Cesare is still apologizing to Kathi... while Tray and Kadri and Kisa and Cesare and Kathi and Mouse are still right there at the table.


This is from the Long Post three back. Daxia does not hear this, as she has stepped away to speak with Darian.

Yes. I put myself on a different timeline. But that means I'm not in this timeline, and Kisa is not waiting for Daxia to finish her conversation, for it is long finished. However, since I can't do two timelines, Kisa will just need to be... not here... until Daxia gets back. That will happen when she finishes her conversation with Darian.

And I will likely do to you, my dear GM, what you so often do to others... render parts of your post null and void. Actually, parts of several posts, since you've had three Long Posts (fine, two and a half... maybe) since this conversation will have finished. Right... I know... doesn't bother you. Just know that you might need to backfill in PM. However, it is probable, even likely, that Daxia and Kisa are part of the entourage accompanying Tray back to the First Ring. Don't take that as gospel, however, as I don't know what happens for the rest of the evening after this conversation.

This is why time loops are bad. This is why I don't like them. 'Nuff said on that topic.

But I did want Daxia to actually have a conversation with Darian, and not simply say that a conversation was had. If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? Philosophy! If a conversation is had that the GM does not witness, does it ever happen? No. Statement of fact! Did I know we would have an Important Conversation? No. But I did give ividia the chance to respond either here (to continue the conversation) or in private (to indicate that it was fine to move on). As you can see, we are having a conversation.

This explanation and mini-rant has been sponsored by Super OCD Woman Industries, your go to source for tracking data and timelines. Our motto: Don't mess with the Goddess! (And while it would be logical to assume the Goddess in reference is Dayala, what with the emphasis on time and all, that is the not the Goddess of Super OCD Woman Industries.]

Kadri:

She actually speaks, her voice a passable Bordertown accent.

"A drink, a drink to midsummers, a drink to dances, a drink to honor, a drink to some well-timed and much needed chaos in the city of Talantal. A toast to the ever merciful lady Attera and the healing her chosen bring. A toast to those who never will violate their bond once sealed."

She nods at Mikal.

"May the setting sun greet the rising moon and Her brave daughters shining in the night sky. May the shadows where night meets day be filled with mirth and merriment."

Her eyes flick towards such a shadow with a half grin.

She drinks from her raised cup, taking a deep swallow.

Ooc: the only other thing she would have tried to figure out before leaving would have been a conversation with Rikart.

Dairan in conversation with Daxia

It seemed Dazi understood what she had meant by Wrong. There were many more nuances to it, however those were never spoken of beyond the Pack.

"Darian need talk Hunter ..."

Yes, she needed to speak with a Hunter but not just any Hunter. The most senior member if there were more than one, if there was a Pack here.

"The Hunter tell others do."

Daxia Yurisdotter
earlier, in conversation in Darian

Dazi nodded slowly. “Most skilled eldest? See Dazi, Kay, Dandy... say Dandy most skilled eldest, yah? No Dandy... Dazi be most skilled eldest. Like so?”

That would be a fair approximation of seniority among the Starswords, the Starriders, and the Starlords. Talking about the Priestesses? All bets were off. Dazi suspected there was a combination of skill, age, personality, and politics. Darian was at least as pragmatic as Kay, whose life as an Initiate of Dayala consisted of moving from one battle to the next.

“Dazi ask Korie know who is this? Dominie friend maybe know too. You say, I ask.”

Darian in conversation with Daxia

A nod.

"Aye. Most skill, top, tell others do."

A more emphatic nod.

"Dazi ask."

Daxia Yurisdotter
earlier, in conversation in Darian, Lord Tray, and everyone else at the table

Dazi nodded; no need to spend unnecessary words with Darian.

Stepping closer to the table, she waited politely and patiently for a pause in the conversation, then address the Korie Lord... primarily.

“M’lord, Miss Kathi... Hunter Darian would very much like to have a conversation with the local Hunter, or the leader if there is a Pack.” Her eyes moved from one to the other. “If either of you, or Miss Mouse,” she added with smile that did more than hint at her admiration for one so stealthy, “know who she should seek out and perhaps the most likely place to find this person, may I know of it so I can share the information?”

The Dayalan refrained from sighing, though it was only because she glanced as Kisa... waiting, watching, doing the very thing at which she excelled.

“Your brother’s pups are a distressing topic, it would seem,” she said, looking back at Tray, “and she has been long away from others who share her... skills. Such a conversation could well set her mind and heart at ease.”

At least Dazi hoped it would. She hoped the Hunter or Hunters of Talantal were more... well, more like the Hunters of Darian’s old Pack, she supposed, rather than a little broken like the Hunter of Bordertown. Though, to Dazi’s eye, he appeared to be more than just a little broken. Still, what did she know of such things? Darian hadn’t thought all was well with him... Dazi trusted Darian... so Dazi had a difficult time finding the good in the man. He keep stew pots filled? There. That was something.

In truth, Dazi was apprehensive — only a very little bit — about what information might come from such a conversation between her friend and the local Hunter. She was loathe to have Darian leave them; it was mostly because she considered the Hunter to be a friend, to be part of her created Family. But that led her to the only possible thought to have on the matter: as Darian’s friend, she wanted Darian to find, to create the Pack she had been sent by her Master to find or create.

Well, Time continued onward as it should. And when it was the appropriate Time for each of them to pursue their individual goals, then Order would be maintained. Time and Order, Time and Order... ah, the Lady Dayala was wise, and Dazi would do her best to keep that wisdom in mind.

They all had different Paths to walk in their lives, and at this Time those Paths converged. This was good. And when those Paths diverged again, it would be... proper.

Tray Korie

Before he took his leave, the Korie lordling paused, raising a brow. he spoke with good humor.

"You mistake me someone who has not spent three years in bed. I know only what I cans see from my window and the books Dommi has sent me.

"As for the Keep's Hunter; I'd suggest asking either Cook ...

" ... or my brother. I suspect, however, that my brother would know where to find him, while Cook would know when he delivers fresh meat."

Daxia Yurisdotter
earlier, in conversation with Lord Tray and Darian

The Dayalan merely raised an eyebrow in response to the Korie lord. That he knew nothing... well, perhaps that was to be expected, as he implied. That neither of the servants had even a hint of information was a bit strange, but perhaps there were a sufficient number of people harassing them that anything outside the purview of their narrowly delineated roles was too insignificant to recall.

That he was taking his leave before She fully set, when only the brightest of Her Children could be seen in the sky, was a reminder that he was still recovering from his long illness... as if his gently chiding words had not been enough of a reminder.

“As you say, m’lord,” she said with a slight dip of her head.

Dazi stepped back to Darian’s side.

“He not know,” she said quietly. “Say Heir know where Hunter is. Say Cook know when Hunter come.”

She paused, biting her as she worked out possibilities. Finally she shrugged.

“Heir not friendly. Cook maybe say, maybe not. Think maybe Hunter and Hound need search, find Hunter. Be other side walls, certain.” Dazi looked at Darian questioningly. “Darian, Longtooth can search hunt other Hunters? Be this good, yes?”

Darian

She tilted her head, nodded as she considered. She didn't know the Heir and was unlikely to be allowed to see him. The Cook telling her when the others came was not helpful either. Daxia had the right of it. She and Longtooth would need to find them on their own. The others may offer to help, but this was Pack business. The others would not be welcome.

"Aye. Darian can. Darian must. She rises, Darian find."

Daxia Yurisdotter
earlier, in conversation with Darian

Dazi nodded to Darian.

“Dazi say to Her please shine Light for Darian to see, to find.” She smiled. “Dazi Lady not dislike Darian Lord. Dazi only can ask. She do what She do.”

Nodding toward Cesare, she added, “Darian, Longtooth enjoy rest of Midsummer, aye? Think Cesare like ale, maybe dance.”

She herself took the seat at the table vacated by Tray, scooting the chair a bit closer to Kisa’s. Looking across at Kadri, she chuckled.

“You look like you’d disappear entirely if such a thing was possible,” she said, winking. “It’s a very pretty outfit, Kadri, but... well, it’s just not you.”

She turned to Kisa. “The day is not yet done. Would you care to dance... to walk... to simply sit and watch as Her Children come out to see the world?” To Dazi, it didn’t matter, though to simply look at the stars while at Kisa’s side — be it sitting, walking, or lying in an orchard — might be the perfect end to a Midsummers day unlike any other.

Mikal

He offers Dandy a bow as they return from dancing to the benches. "A pleasure. Both the dancing and the advice. I will need to accumulate a fair amount of coin, and notoriety, to be able to attract, and afford, a contingent of Dayallans, Jvrillians, and others that would be needed to make up a Troop for what I am thinking. But it is a goal. As my crossbow instructor once told me, 'You need to always have a target. There is nothing more dangerous that a man waving a loaded bow around aimlessly.'"

He keeps an eye on Kadri as long as she chooses to stay out socializing, and then returns to their rooms with her as the evening draws to a close.

In the morning it will be time to think about where to go next. He is bound to watch over Kadri, but only as long as they remain in Talantal. His contract with Daxia has also expired. So he is a 'New Jvrillian without a Contract', which is always an uncomfortable place to be.

Kadri:

"I know it's a contract, Mikal. But it has been quite ..."

She pauses a long while thinking.

"Quite comforting having you nearby in the viper's nest. I apologize if I may have more than once over the last few days given you headaches - but I am me, and I do what I do, which is to follow where my heart and soul takes me - and at that, I am perhaps at least a little headstrong. I only wish I had something more of value to give you.

Mikal

"Well, up to now, other than try my best to glare and look fierce I really haven't done anything tangible for you, so it's not a problem. However I do need to take on a well-paying contract pretty soon. I would like to form a Troop of my own, and get Talia trained as a warhorse. Neither of those things come cheaply."

Kadri:

"Still, I would not want you to think I am taking advantage of you - to you, I have a debt. And I repay debts, however long it may take. If you find there is a way I may contribute to these goals of yours ..."

Mikal

He turns and looks at her for a long few seconds. "Are you serious about that?"

Kadri:

She tilts her head to one side.

"Did I not just say so? Yes - although have trouble imagining what I might contribute to that sort of effort. "

Mikal

"I don't think you've thought out what resources, both monetary and in influence, you now have at your disposal as wife of the son of the Khoral in Talantal. Above and beyond what additional resources you have as a daughter of Amber. You could likely Contract me to form my own Troop right now."

Kadri:

She opens her mouth and then pauses for a time with it still open.

"... I had not thought of that angle. I still dont think of myself as this."

She motions to the nobles quarters.

"And it would entail havng me owning a longer term contract. Are you sure you would want me as your 'employer'? I can be rather unconventional from time to time. Do you trust ... my discretion?"

Mikal

He smiles. "I can think of none better. Believe me when I say I know you better than anyone..., anyone I have taken a Contract for. Many of my Contracts were so Talia and I could continue to eat, and I was not as scrupulous during those lean times as I would have liked to be."

He pauses. "You and I share a set of values, I believe. A rare and precious thing. As I said, I can think of none better to trust."

He looks at her more closely. "But I am more concerned for you. If you will do this thing. If you are indeed willing to use your influence both here and among the Clans, in order to help recruit and equip a Troop as I envision the one I'd like to be, it will require you to spend some time at Court. Both to better use that influence properly as well as to find out where best to use the force the Troop will represent. We may be the 'Tip of the Spear' so to speak, but you will be both the whetting stone that sharpens the spear and the compass that guides it. I know how much you dislike that......?"

Kadri:

"... It is something I can do as part of, let's call it - the game. I'd have to ask you ... What DO you envision?"

Mikal

"Well, considering this whole idea just became feasible in the past two minutes I can't say I have all the answers right now." He grins.

"However I know what I want the troop to be. Light horse, but organized, fighting light horse. Something the Heartwood has never had to my knowledge. Not a loose group of a few dozen raiders, nor a large group of mounted infantry, nor a large group of heavy cavalry that uses charge and shock with lance and sword."

"Rather a troop that is based around horse archers. Dayalans if we can get them. Crossbowmen as well, and if they can fight from horseback so much the better. Javelins, spearmen. Swords to use as a last resort."

"A Troop that can pick at it's foes from a distance. Ride up, harass them, then ride off if the enemy tries to engage. Kill them by inches. Move fast and hit hard. Be where no one expects them to be, moving at speeds no one has moved a large, organized, formation of men before. Deception, ambush, slash and ride off. Frustrate the opponent until they go crazy and make mistakes."

"To do that I need not only a solid core of Dayalans", he glances back to where they left Daxia, "but I need first class mounts. Trained mounts and trained riders, moving as a unit. Discipline such as there hasn't been. Mounts that can outrun their enemy."

"The men needs to have discretion as well as skill. I will need to interview every one before allowing them to join, but I have some ideas where to start looking."

"As to missions, well, there seems to never be a lack of things worth doing. Typically the lack is in finding someone who is willing to do it. With this group not being tied to defending a place, such as Bordertown, it can roam, which is what it will be best at."

He looks at her. "I can think of a few things now, but I will depend on you for intelligence. Not necessarily military intelligence. If we can find a few Hunters or Arilys they can do that. It is political intelligence I'd need. What is happening and how can we 'nudge' it in the direction we think is best."

He looks at her. "How does that sound to you?"

Kadri:

"That."

She rubs her chin.

"That I think I can work with. And I think I know how to find first class horses. Horses with hooves that move like the rolling thunder on the winds. I know horses. And your strategy sounds, shall we say, familiar to me. As for my goals, as I have often said to Dazi. I do not like bullies. I like knocking down bullies, laying them low. That is, most often, what I find worth doing. I believe I can do this thing. It may mean sitting through more councils. But then again, they should expect that I will do such by this point; I think, perhaps, that I made amply clear what I thought of the concept of the wives merely sitting in the garden to wait for their husbands to speak at council."

At the last sentence, she gives a lopsided grin.

"I did make quite an entrance at council, if I do say so myself."